IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Admiral

•Vessel Type: Schooner Barge

•Location: Charlotte, New York (Lake Ontario)

•Event: Caught fire and sank

•Status: Burned to the waterline before sinking

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Admiral was a Schooner Barge, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Schooner barges were used for transporting bulk cargo such as coal, lumber, or other materials. Typically towed by steam-powered tugs, these vessels were efficient and durable, contributing significantly to the commercial activities of the region.

HISTORY

The Admiral was an active participant in the Great Lakes cargo trade, serving as a critical link in the transportation of goods across the lakes. These vessels played a vital role in the economic development of the region, enabling the efficient movement of large quantities of raw materials to ports and industrial centers.

While specific details about the Admiral’s construction, owners, and operational history are not provided, its type and service suggest it was part of the bustling maritime industry of the Great Lakes during its time.

FINAL DISPOSITION

While docked at Charlotte, NY, the Admiral caught fire. The fire spread rapidly, burning the vessel down to the waterline before it sank. The specific cause of the fire remains undetermined. The incident underscores the risks faced by vessels of this era, where fire was a persistent hazard due to the wooden construction of ships and the nature of the cargoes often carried.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Admiral.

•Advisory: Mariners should consult local navigational charts and authorities for updates regarding any underwater hazards in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact date of the fire and sinking is not recorded in the provided information. Further archival research may be needed to pinpoint the timeline of the incident.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The condition of the wreck remains undocumented, and there are no recent reports or surveys available. The wreck’s accessibility for diving or research purposes would depend on its depth and specific location within the Charlotte harbor area. Given its age and the nature of its destruction, any remains are likely to be heavily deteriorated or buried under sediment.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Local maritime archives in Charlotte, NY

•Historical societies focused on Great Lakes shipping

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes (maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca)

•Shipwreck databases such as the David Swayze Shipwreck File

KEYWORDS

•Admiral

•Schooner Barge

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Charlotte NY

•Lake Ontario Maritime History

CONCLUSION

The Admiral serves as a reminder of the vital role Schooner barges played in the development of the Great Lakes region’s maritime commerce. Its fiery demise underscores the inherent risks of shipping during the era and the challenges faced by sailors and vessel owners. Further research into local archives or shipwreck records could shed light on the Admiral’s history and provide insights into the circumstances of its loss.