SHIPWRECK REPORT: AMARETTA MOSHER

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: Amaretta Mosher

•Type: Wooden Schooner Barge

•Date of Incident: November 29, 1902

•Location: Starve Island Reef, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41° 36.767’ N, 82° 48.900’ W

•Depth: 22 feet (7 meters)

•Condition: Wrecked; remains scattered on the reef, partially submerged

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Amaretta Mosher was a wooden Schooner Barge originally built as a two-masted vessel, later Rebuilt with three masts. Constructed in 1867 in Ashtabula, Ohio, the vessel had a Gross Tonnage of 300 tons and a Net Tonnage of 285 tons. It was designed to handle bulk cargoes such as coal, lumber, and other materials across the Great Lakes. The Schooner’s robust design, including its later modifications, reflected its long service life and adaptability for towing and independent cargo operations.

HISTORY

Built in 1867, the Amaretta Mosher served the Great Lakes for over three decades, transporting a variety of goods. The vessel’s ownership changed hands frequently, and it underwent significant repairs and modifications during its operational life.

Significant Incidents in its Career:

•1869: Collision with the Schooner North Star in Chicago.

•1871: Collided with the Schooner H.C. Post on the Black River and the Tug Babcock in Chicago.

•1873: Damaged in a storm on Lake Michigan.

•1879: Ran aground at Fighting Island in the Detroit River.

•1893: Stranded with cedar cargo in Cheboygan, Michigan.

Ownership Timeline:

•Owners included J.S. Dunham, David Hutchinson, William H. Hutchinson, and J.M. Shackett.

•By 1902, the Schooner Barge was primarily transporting coal.

Final Voyage:

On November 29, 1902, the Amaretta Mosher wrecked on Starve Island Reef in Lake Erie during a treacherous voyage. The vessel was in tow with the Steamer D.F. Rose, which also became stranded on the reef. Reports indicate the Amaretta Mosher sustained some damage but was less severely affected than the Rose, which was in dire condition. Despite efforts, the vessel was ultimately lost, and its name was omitted from the Merchant Vessel List in 1903.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Amaretta Mosher sank at Starve Island Reef, marking the end of its long service history. The wreck lies in 22 feet of water, with remnants scattered on the reef. The wreckage reflects its final moments during the stormy conditions of late November 1902.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the wreck of the Amaretta Mosher. However, the shallow waters and scattered debris around Starve Island Reef necessitate caution for mariners and divers exploring the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Amaretta Mosher was reported immediately following its sinking in November 1902. The site is well-documented in historical records and known to local maritime historians and divers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreckage of the Amaretta Mosher lies at a shallow depth of 22 feet (7 meters), making it accessible for divers. However, the remains are likely fragmented and partially buried in sediment. Despite its deteriorated state, the site offers a unique opportunity for exploration and research into 19th-century Schooner Barge construction and Great Lakes maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Port Huron Daily Times (December 2, 1902)

KEYWORDS

Amaretta Mosher, Starve Island Reef, Lake Erie shipwreck, Schooner Barge, coal transportation, Great Lakes maritime history, historical shipwreck, underwater exploration.

CONCLUSION

The Amaretta Mosher was a testament to the durability and adaptability of wooden Schooner barges operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite enduring numerous incidents and repairs, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the treacherous conditions of Lake Erie. Its wreck near Starve Island Reef provides both a historical artifact and a cautionary tale of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners.