IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: ANAWAN

Type: Schooner

Owner: Mr. C. Smith, Buffalo, NY

Date of Incident: June 1852

Location: Approximately eight miles off Pultneyville, Lake Ontario, New York, USA

GPS Coordinates: Not available

Depth: The vessel capsized but did not sink; it was later towed back to Buffalo Harbor.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ANAWAN was a Schooner, a widely used sailing vessel on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. These vessels were known for their fore-and-aft rigged sails and their adaptability to the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Designed primarily for cargo transport, schooners like the ANAWAN were a vital component of the bustling trade routes, providing speed and maneuverability necessary for navigating these vast inland waters.

HISTORY

In June 1852, the ANAWAN departed from Buffalo, New York, carrying a valuable cargo bound for Presque Isle, Canada. With a crew of five men and a young passenger, the vessel embarked on what was expected to be a routine voyage. Schooners were critical to the economy of the time, transporting goods and materials between growing ports on the Great Lakes.

The journey turned tragic when the ANAWAN encountered a severe squall approximately eight miles off the shore of Pultneyville, New York. The heavy winds capsized the vessel, leaving it floating precariously on its beam ends. Despite efforts by the Schooner PEARL, captained by Cochran, no survivors were found, and it was presumed that all six aboard had perished.

Days later, the ANAWAN was discovered and towed to Buffalo Harbor by the Steamer Howard and the Brig Champlain. Tragically, the body of a young boy, James Herrigan, who served as the ship’s cook, was found in the vessel’s hold. The inquest ruled his death as accidental drowning. No other remains were recovered, leaving the fate of the crew shrouded in mystery.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The ANAWAN was ultimately salvaged and brought to Buffalo Harbor, but its loss marked a grim chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario. The vessel was likely dismantled or decommissioned following the incident. It did not leave a wreck site on the lakebed, as it was recovered intact after the capsizing.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the ANAWAN, as the vessel was not left in a hazardous state on the lake but was instead recovered shortly after the incident.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The ANAWAN was found adrift within days of the squall that capsized it. It was brought to Buffalo Harbor soon thereafter, thanks to efforts by nearby vessels.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The ANAWAN did not remain submerged or Abandoned in Lake Ontario. After being towed to Buffalo Harbor, it was likely dismantled or disposed of. Therefore, no physical wreck site exists today, making it a historical rather than an archaeological point of interest.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• St. Lawrence County Historical Association: A resource for records of maritime incidents on Lake Ontario.

• New York State Archives: Holds collections of ship registries and newspaper accounts from the period.

• Buffalo Maritime Center: A repository for historical records on ships associated with Buffalo, NY.

KEYWORDS

#ANAWAN #Schooner #LakeOntario #GreatLakesHistory #19thCenturyShipwrecks #MaritimeIncidents

CONCLUSION

The story of the ANAWAN serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Though it did not become a submerged wreck, its tragic capsizing and the loss of life highlight the unpredictability of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century. The recovery of the vessel underscores the resilience of the maritime community in the face of such disasters.