Other Names #
- ALAMEDA
History #
The ALMEDA, also known as ALAMEDA, was a schooner-barge constructed in 1847 in St. Joseph, Michigan. It had an official number of 313 and was primarily made of wood. The vessel had a tonnage of 216 tons.
On May 22, 1880, the ALMEDA encountered a storm and was lost near Pelee Island in Lake Erie. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. The ship was carrying a cargo of lumber at the time of the incident.
Prior to this loss, the ALMEDA had experienced several noteworthy events. In 1864, it sank near Buffalo but was later recovered. In November 1877, the vessel was heavily damaged during a storm and was abandoned due to a broken back. However, it was eventually salvaged. In September 1878, the ship faced another severe storm, resulting in the loss of all six crew members.
The ALMEDA underwent various repairs and modifications throughout its history. It was rebuilt and enlarged in Conneaut, Ohio, in 1867. Further rebuilds occurred in 1873 and 1878, with a major repair taking place in 1863. The vessel went through changes in ownership, with individuals and companies from Buffalo, New York, being associated with it.
In November 1877, the ALMEDA was driven ashore near New Glasgow, Ontario, on Lake Erie. It was later rescued by the tug WINSLOW and taken to Detroit. There were tensions between American and Canadian tug owners during the rescue operations, reflecting the ongoing disputes regarding wrecking activities in each other’s waters.
Ultimately, the ALMEDA met its final fate in the storm that caused its loss in May 1880. The ship was anchored during the storm when its stern was wrenched off, leading to its sinking. The cargo was later removed by the scow RUSSIA a few days after the incident.
The history of the ALMEDA is marked by a series of accidents, damages, repairs, and salvage operations. Despite its eventual demise, the vessel played a significant role in transporting goods, particularly lumber, in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century.
