IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The ALBERT WRIGHT was a compact wooden tugboat, originally constructed in 1875 in Port Hope, Ontario. The vessel was powered by a screw propulsion system, typical for tugboats of the time, which enabled it to effectively assist in towing and other maritime operations. The vessel’s origins are tied to another ship, as it was built on the bottom of the ANNIE REID, a vessel originally constructed in Buffalo, New York, in 1863.
HISTORY
The history of the ALBERT WRIGHT is intertwined with the vessels ANNIE REID and ANNIE PRATT. The ANNIE REID was built in 1863 by Van Slyke & Notter in Buffalo, New York, with a gross tonnage of 76 tons. The vessel was later renamed ANNIE PRATT. In 1875, H. Hacker used the hull of the ANNIE REID as the foundation to build the ALBERT WRIGHT in Port Hope, Ontario. This connection between the vessels highlights the practice of repurposing and rebuilding ships during that era.
Initially, the ALBERT WRIGHT was registered in Port Hope Harbor, Ontario, with a gross tonnage of 29 tons. It was primarily used as a tugboat, assisting in towing operations along the Great Lakes. By 1899, the vessel was owned by J. Swift from Port Hope, who continued to utilize the tug in maritime activities.
At some point in its operational history, the ALBERT WRIGHT was renamed AHTEEK and registered in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, under the ownership of W.H. Plummer by 1905. The vessel continued to serve as a tugboat, supporting various maritime endeavors in the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The specific circumstances of the ALBERT WRIGHT‘s final fate remain unclear based on the available information. Details regarding its loss, wreck site, or any incidents leading to its demise have not been documented.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically associated with the ALBERT WRIGHT.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck site of the ALBERT WRIGHT has not been specifically located, and no documented recovery or exploration efforts have been reported.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
Due to the lack of information regarding the vessel’s final disposition, the condition and accessibility of the ALBERT WRIGHT remain unknown. It is not considered a site of interest for diving or exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: ALBERT WRIGHT, Tugboat, Towboat, Port Hope, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Wooden Tug, Great Lakes, Maritime History, Sault Ste. Marie
CONCLUSION: The ALBERT WRIGHT was a notable example of maritime resourcefulness, built on the hull of another vessel and serving the Great Lakes region for several decades. Its multiple name changes and ownership transfers reflect the common practices of repurposing and renaming ships to extend their operational lives. While the final details of its fate remain unknown, the ALBERT WRIGHT contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
