Identification & Site Information

• Name: SAMUEL T. ATWATER (S.T. ATWATER)

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Built: 1866 in Irondequoit (Charlotte), New York

• Hull Material: Wood

• Dimensions:

• Length: 136 feet (41.5 metres)

• Beam: 24 feet (7.3 metres)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 metres)

• Gross Tonnage: 323 tons

• Net Tonnage: 307 tons

• Final Location:

• Resting Place: Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron

• Status: Wreck site, Total Loss

Vessel Type Description

The SAMUEL T. ATWATER was a large wooden Schooner designed for the demanding task of transporting lumber across the Great Lakes. Built for durability and capacity, its robust Hull construction allowed it to carry heavy loads of timber, a critical resource during the industrial expansion of the 19th century. Like most schooners of its time, it relied on wind power and sail navigation, making it both an economical and environmentally dependent vessel for trade routes.

History

Construction and Service

Launched in 1866, the SAMUEL T. ATWATER was built in Irondequoit (Charlotte), New York, and served as a vital carrier of lumber for nearly three decades. During its operational life, it was involved in multiple maritime incidents, reflecting the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.

Notable Incidents

1. Ice Damage (1886):

• Struck ice near Lexington, Michigan, causing severe Hull damage.

• Towed to Bay City for repairs, colliding with the Ferry HALL during the journey.

2. Rebuild (1888):

• Underwent a significant Rebuild by Frank Alary in Tonawanda, New York, reflecting its continued value despite its earlier damages.

3. Grounding and Sinking (1889):

• Ran aground on Horseshoe Reef in Buffalo.

• Sank in Tonawanda but was salvaged and repaired, returning to service.

Final Incident (1895)

On October 24, 1895, the Schooner met its end during a gale while being towed by the Steamer M. GROH. The Towline was cast off due to the storm, leaving the Schooner at the mercy of the elements. It went aground on Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, and was deemed a Total Loss.

• Master: Captain McDermott was in command at the time.

• Casualties: No loss of life was reported.

Final Disposition

The SAMUEL T. ATWATER wrecked near Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. The vessel remains at its resting place, a poignant relic of 19th-century shipping. While it was declared a Total Loss, the wreck’s location has been known since shortly after the sinking.

Current Status

The wreck is considered historically significant but poses no current navigational hazards. It remains a site of interest for divers and maritime historians exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck. Visitors and divers should approach the site with caution and respect for its historical value.

Resources & Links

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Archive

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Data

3. Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical Ship Records

Keywords

SAMUEL T. ATWATER, S.T. ATWATER, wooden Schooner, Lake Huron wreck, Manitoulin Island, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century shipwreck, lumber transport, Great Lakes navigation.

Conclusion

The SAMUEL T. ATWATER was a quintessential Great Lakes Schooner, epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizing the essential role of wooden sailing vessels in the region’s economic development during the late 19th century. Despite multiple rebuilds and repairs, the Schooner ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature. Its wreck near Manitoulin Island serves as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes mariners and the challenges of shipping in the era before modern navigation technology. The site remains a valuable piece of maritime history, preserving the legacy of a bygone era in Great Lakes commerce.