IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The JAMES AMADEUS was a wooden propeller tugboat used for various purposes, including assisting other vessels in distress. It was a relatively small but powerful vessel, capable of navigating the often challenging waters of Lake Erie. The tugboat was reconstructed in 1883, enhancing its structural integrity and operational capabilities.
HISTORY: #
The JAMES AMADEUS had a long and storied history, marked by multiple significant events. After undergoing major reconstruction in 1883, the tugboat operated for several years before requiring repairs in 1890 to continue its service.
On November 3, 1892, tragedy struck when the JAMES AMADEUS foundered in Lake Erie while attempting to aid the stranded schooner BALDWIN near Cleveland. Despite the challenging conditions, the crew managed to escape the sinking vessel and were rescued by the steamer RALEIGH. The tugboat, owned by Patrick Smith of Cleveland, sank beneath the waves, marking its first major incident.
The vessel faced another disaster on June 28, 1893, when it sprang a leak and foundered near Cleveland, Ohio. As the tug began to sink, the crew abandoned ship, narrowly avoiding a tragedy similar to the previous year. The JAMES AMADEUS sank to the bottom of Lake Erie, approximately five miles off Point Pelee, in about 30 feet of water.
Efforts were made to salvage the wreck of the JAMES AMADEUS, with wrecking outfits and crews dispatched to the scene. Despite these efforts, the salvage operations faced significant challenges due to the depth and the condition of the wreck. The story of the JAMES AMADEUS, with its rebuilds, repairs, and unfortunate sinkings, left a notable mark on the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The JAMES AMADEUS lies submerged approximately five miles off Point Pelee in Lake Erie, resting in about 30 feet of water. The tugboat’s sinking marked the end of its service on the Great Lakes, though its legacy continues through the historical records and salvage attempts documented in various news reports.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
The wreck of the JAMES AMADEUS is submerged in a known location, and mariners should exercise caution when navigating near the coordinates. The site may pose a hazard to navigation, particularly for vessels with deeper drafts.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck was located and identified following the sinking incidents in 1892 and 1893. Salvage operations were conducted, but the tugboat ultimately remained on the lakebed, as documented in historical records.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in 30 feet of water, making it accessible to divers, though the condition of the wreck may have deteriorated over time. The JAMES AMADEUS remains a significant point of interest for those studying the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by vessels operating in these waters.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #Tugboat
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
- #NavigationHazard
Conclusion: #
The JAMES AMADEUS tugboat, with its long history of service, repairs, and eventual sinkings, represents a significant chapter in the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Despite its size, the vessel played an important role in assisting other ships and maintaining the navigability of Lake Erie. The unfortunate events of 1892 and 1893 that led to its sinking highlight the perils faced by vessels of that era, especially in the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The wreck of the JAMES AMADEUS remains a poignant reminder of these challenges and the enduring legacy of Great Lakes maritime history.
