IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Amherst Islander was a gas screw vessel, built in 1929 in Collingwood, Ontario, a prominent shipbuilding location during that time. Designed for utility and efficiency, the Amherst Islander featured a gasoline-powered engine, which was ideal for the short, regional trips it was primarily tasked with. The vessel measured 67 feet in length, had a beam of 20 feet, and a depth of 6.2 feet, making it perfectly suited for ferrying passengers and goods between the mainland and Amherst Island in the relatively calm waters of Lake Ontario.
For nearly two decades, the Amherst Islander served the local community, playing a vital role in the region’s transportation infrastructure. In 1947, after a long period of reliable service, the vessel was sold and renamed TANTI. Despite the change in ownership, the TANTI continued to operate under the Canadian flag, most likely continuing its service in the waters around Kingston and Amherst Island.
The vessel’s final resting place is in Thompsons Bay, near Howe Island. The specific details surrounding the end of the Amherst Islander’s operational life are unclear, but the location of its remains suggests it was likely decommissioned and left at rest in the bay. The Amherst Islander, later known as TANTI, remains a part of the region’s maritime history, reflecting the essential role small utility vessels played in the daily lives of those living on and around the islands of Lake Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Amherst Islander’s final resting place is in Thompsons Bay, near Amherst Island, Ontario, at the coordinates 44.29911855, -76.2533231. The exact circumstances of its abandonment or sinking are not well-documented, leaving some mystery surrounding its final days.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently in effect regarding this wreck. However, as with all dive sites, divers should exercise caution, respect local regulations, and ensure they are adequately prepared for the conditions.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The location of the Amherst Islander wreck has been identified through historical records and mapping efforts, though the specific date of the wreck’s discovery or documentation is not well recorded.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Details on the condition of the Amherst Islander wreck are limited. Given the vessel’s age and the typical conditions in Thompsons Bay, it is likely that the wreck has deteriorated significantly, with the wooden hull and superstructure succumbing to decay. The site may still offer opportunities for exploration, particularly for divers interested in regional maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- Shipwrecks of Ontario
- Historic Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario
Amherst Islander, TANTI, Thompsons Bay, Gas Screw, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, Great Lakes Vessels, Maritime History
Conclusion #
The Amherst Islander, later renamed TANTI, serves as a testament to the small but vital vessels that connected the communities of Lake Ontario in the early to mid-20th century. Its role as a ferry underscores the importance of such vessels in the region’s economy and daily life. The eventual sinking or abandonment of the Amherst Islander reflects the broader narrative of many similar vessels, which, after years of service, were left to the elements when they could no longer meet the demands of modern transportation. Today, the wreck’s location in Thompsons Bay offers a glimpse into this chapter of maritime history, inviting further exploration and study.
