Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Amaranth was a schooner-barge, a type of vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes for bulk freight transportation. Built primarily for carrying heavy cargo like lumber and coal, schooner-barges were typically towed by steamers and could operate with or without sails. The Amaranth featured two masts and was constructed of wood, reflecting the shipbuilding techniques of the mid-19th century.
History #
The Amaranth was constructed in 1864 by William Shupe in Milan, Ohio. As a two-masted wooden schooner-barge, it served as a vital cargo transporter on the Great Lakes. The vessel measured 134 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11 feet. It registered a gross tonnage of 273 and a net tonnage of 259, making it a substantial vessel for its time.
Throughout its operational life, the Amaranth changed ownership multiple times. Initially owned by Valentine Fries of Milan, Ohio, it later came under the ownership of John Shaw from Bay City, Michigan, before being purchased by E. Tirney. At the time of its final voyage, the vessel was owned by C.W. Kotcher of Detroit.
On September 7, 1901, the Amaranth encountered a severe storm while being towed by the steamer John H. Pauly near Fort Gratiot, Michigan. The storm’s violent winds proved too powerful, causing the Amaranth to be blown ashore at North Kewahdin Beach, where it was wrecked. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the crew of the Amaranth and the John H. Pauly were successfully rescued by the United States Lifesaving Service (USLS) in a courageous operation.
Efforts to salvage the Amaranth proved futile, as the relentless waves and storm conditions quickly reduced the vessel to pieces. The cargo of lumber and lath that the Amaranth was transporting was lost to the storm, adding to the financial toll of the disaster.
Final Disposition #
The Amaranth was wrecked on September 7, 1901, off the coast of North Kewahdin Beach in Lake Huron. The vessel was driven ashore by a severe storm and subsequently pounded to pieces by the waves. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crew, thanks to the prompt and effective response of the USLS.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to this wreck.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck was immediately known following the incident, as it occurred close to shore.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- Bowling Green State University: Great Lakes Ships
Conclusion #
The Amaranth serves as a poignant example of the risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes. As a schooner-barge built in the mid-19th century, it played a crucial role in the transportation of bulk goods, particularly lumber. However, like many vessels of its time, the Amaranth was vulnerable to the unpredictable and often violent weather conditions that could arise on the Great Lakes.
The loss of the Amaranth in 1901, though tragic in terms of the vessel and cargo, thankfully did not result in the loss of life, thanks to the heroic efforts of the United States Lifesaving Service. The incident underscores the importance of these lifesaving crews and the dangers inherent in maritime operations during this era.
Today, the story of the Amaranth stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes and the ever-present threat posed by the region’s weather. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who sailed these waters, and to the importance of remembering the history of these vessels and their crews.
Keywords: #
- Amaranth
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Schooner-Barge
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- Lake Huron Wreck
- C.W. Kotcher
- United States Lifesaving Service
The Amaranth remains a part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, its story a chapter in the broader narrative of commerce, transportation, and the perils faced by those who navigated these waters.
