IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The ATHENS was a large schooner-barge, a type of vessel designed to be towed by steamers or tugs across the Great Lakes. Built for carrying bulk cargo, the ATHENS had considerable dimensions and tonnage, reflecting its capacity to transport large volumes of goods. The vessel’s construction by James Davidson, known for building robust lake freighters, underscored its significance in the maritime industry of the time.
HISTORY:
The ATHENS was launched in 1897 and quickly became an integral part of Great Lakes shipping. Over the years, it carried various types of cargo across the lakes, often operating in conjunction with steam-powered vessels that towed it to different ports. The ATHENS had a history marked by a few significant incidents that foreshadowed its eventual fate.
One such incident occurred on May 15, 1899, when the ATHENS collided with the East Pier in Fairport, Ohio, causing damage. Another notable event happened on November 22, 1906, when the ATHENS was reported to have foundered in Lake Erie. However, two days later, it was found off Huron, Ohio, with its steering system damaged but otherwise intact.
Despite these challenges, the ATHENS continued to serve the Great Lakes region until its tragic demise on October 7, 1917. On that day, while being towed by the Canadian tug LUCKNOW during a severe blizzard and gale, the ATHENS broke in two and sank in Lake Huron. The vessel was located approximately 25 miles west of Southampton, Ontario. This disaster resulted in the loss of five crew members, with only two survivors, marking the event as a significant maritime tragedy.
At the time of its sinking, the ATHENS was owned by Boland and Cornelius of Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel’s loss was a devastating blow, as it was considered a total loss, with no chance of recovery.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The ATHENS foundered on October 7, 1917, during a blizzard and gale while being towed in Lake Huron. The vessel broke in two and sank, resulting in the loss of five crew members. The wreck lies approximately 25 miles west of Southampton, Ontario.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the ATHENS. However, given the depth and historical nature of the site, caution is advised for any diving or exploration activities.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The wreck of the ATHENS has been known since the time of its sinking, with its location being identified shortly after the vessel foundered in 1917.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS:
ATHENS, schooner-barge, Lake Huron shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, Boland and Cornelius, 1917 blizzard, Southampton Ontario shipwreck.
CONCLUSION:
The ATHENS, a significant schooner-barge of its time, met a tragic end in the treacherous waters of Lake Huron during a fierce blizzard in 1917. The vessel’s history is marked by both its service in the Great Lakes shipping industry and the incidents that led to its ultimate sinking. The loss of the ATHENS serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes, and its story remains an important chapter in the annals of maritime history.
