Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: ARBUTUS

•Type: Gasoline-Propelled Vessel

•Date of Incident: December 14, 1916

•Location: Sandusky, Lake Erie

•Official Number: 206473

•Gross Tonnage: 7 tons

•Condition: Total Loss due to fire

Vessel Type Description

The ARBUTUS was a small, gasoline-propelled vessel, reflective of early 20th-century advancements in marine propulsion. At only 7 tons, it was lightweight and modestly sized, likely utilized for local transport or recreational purposes around the Sandusky area. This vessel exemplifies the transition from traditional steam and sail-powered vessels to those employing gasoline engines, a significant technological shift in maritime history.

History

Construction and Service

The ARBUTUS was built in 1907 during a period of innovation in small vessel design, with gasoline engines gaining popularity for their efficiency and simplicity. While the vessel’s specific operational history is not well-documented, its size and propulsion system suggest it was used for local transportation or leisure activities on Lake Erie.

Incident

On December 14, 1916, the ARBUTUS was destroyed by fire while docked or anchored in Sandusky, Ohio. The fire engulfed the vessel rapidly, leading to its Total Loss. The sole occupant aboard survived the incident without injury, but the circumstances surrounding the fire remain unclear.

Final Disposition

The ARBUTUS was completely destroyed by the fire and deemed unsalvageable. Given its small size and the severity of the damage, it is likely that any remains were removed from the water or allowed to deteriorate naturally. No significant efforts appear to have been made to preserve or salvage the vessel, reflecting its minor role in maritime operations.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the ARBUTUS. While this specific wreck does not pose a hazard to navigation, mariners operating in the Sandusky area should remain aware of general risks associated with the region.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the ARBUTUS wreck is undocumented, suggesting that its remains were not prioritized for salvage or historical preservation. Its small size and the nature of its destruction likely contributed to this lack of focus.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime Historical Records

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The story of the ARBUTUS highlights the risks associated with early gasoline-propelled vessels, particularly regarding fire safety. While it played a modest role in Lake Erie’s maritime activities, its destruction is a small yet poignant part of the region’s broader nautical history. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by vessels of all sizes and types during the early 20th century, reflecting the ongoing evolution of maritime technology and safety measures.

Keywords

#ARBUTUS

#GreatLakesShipwrecks

#LakeErieHistory

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#GasolinePropelledVessel

#Early20thCenturyMaritime

#SanduskyShipwreck

#UnderwaterHistoryU