A Tale of Risk and Resilience
The story of the schooner ANTARES is one that captures the imagination with its intriguing history and mysterious fate. Built in 1852 at Cattaraugus, N.Y., by A. Stevens, the vessel had a long and eventful life on the Great Lakes. However, its final days were marked by tragedy and questions about the courage of those who dared to sail on this aging ship. This article delves into the fascinating details surrounding the ANTARES, shedding light on its past, its significance, and the enigmatic circumstances of its demise.
The ANTARES, a schooner weighing 128 tons, was constructed in Cattaraugus by C. Stevens in 1852. Its home port was Chicago, and it was initially owned by Robinson & others. The vessel’s classification was B 2, and it was valued at $1,800. Over the years, the ANTARES underwent repairs in 1869 and 1871, demonstrating its resilience and the commitment of its owners to keep it seaworthy.
The Lloyd’s register, a respected source of information for maritime insurance, listed the ANTARES until 1879 when it was marked as “not insurable.” This designation raises eyebrows and adds to the mystique surrounding the vessel. What were the reasons behind this assessment? Did the ship suffer from structural issues, or was it plagued by a history of accidents? These unanswered questions contribute to the intrigue surrounding the ANTARES.
Discrepancies regarding the ANTARES’ origins further add to the enigma. While some records attribute its construction to Cattaraugus in 1852, others mention Irving, N.Y., in 1863 as its birthplace. These conflicting reports highlight the challenges of maintaining accurate historical records and contribute to the ongoing fascination with the vessel.
The ANTARES met its tragic end when it sank in the Ogden Canal. Given its age and condition, it seemed unlikely that the vessel would be salvaged. As the oldest ship on the Great Lakes at the time, its demise marked the end of an era. The incident begs the question: Why did individuals continue to risk their lives by sailing on a ship deemed unfit for insurance? Was it a desperate act driven by economic circumstances, or was there something more profound at play?
The story of the ANTARES invites speculation and reflection. It encapsulates the courage and tenacity of sailors who braved the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, even aboard a vessel marked as “not insurable.” Perhaps the allure of adventure, the reliance on experience, or the camaraderie among the crew outweighed the risks in their minds. The story of the ANTARES is a reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the enduring fascination with maritime history.
The schooner ANTARES, with its questionable insurability, conflicting records, and eventual tragic fate, stands as a testament to the intriguing narratives that lie within maritime history. Despite its advanced age and the hazards it faced, the ANTARES continued to sail, carrying its crew through the tumultuous waters of the Great Lakes. The mystery surrounding the ANTARES not only captures our imagination but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the indomitable human spirit that drives individuals to venture into the unknown, even against all odds.
