Shipwreck Report: Steamer Myrtle

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Myrtle

• Type: Steamer

• Construction: Wooden Hull

• Location of Incident: Near Clayton, New York

• Date of Incident: Mid-19th century (exact date unspecified)

• Condition: Total Loss due to fire

• Estimated Loss: $7,000

• Insurance Coverage: $1,200

• Accessibility: Wreckage likely destroyed; site presumed inaccessible

Vessel Type Description

The Myrtle was a wooden-hulled Steamer, typical of mid-19th-century Great Lakes vessels. These steamers were integral to regional transportation and commerce, often carrying passengers and freight across the lakes. Their wooden construction, while standard for the era, made them susceptible to fire, especially with the use of open flames for lighting.

History

The Steamer Myrtle met a tragic fate near Clayton, New York, when a lantern explosion onboard led to a catastrophic fire. The explosion scattered burning oil throughout the vessel, rapidly engulfing it in flames. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the fire consumed the Steamer entirely, resulting in a Total Loss. The financial impact was significant, with the vessel valued at $7,000 but insured for only $1,200, highlighting the challenges of maritime insurance during that period.

Final Disposition

The Myrtle was completely destroyed by the fire, leaving no substantial wreckage. The exact location near Clayton, New York, remains unspecified, and any remnants have likely deteriorated or been reclaimed by the environment over time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Myrtle. The absence of significant wreckage suggests the site does not pose any modern navigational hazards.

Located By & Date

The incident was reported in contemporary accounts shortly after the event. However, no formal documentation or precise location of the wreck site has been established.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the total destruction by fire and the passage of time, it is unlikely that any identifiable remains of the Myrtle exist today. The site is presumed inaccessible and holds little for maritime archaeologists or divers.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

Steamer Myrtle, Clayton New York, 19th-century shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, vessel fire, wooden Steamer, maritime insurance, lantern explosion, shipbuilding in Clayton.

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