Other Names #
- SAM AMSDEN
History #
Lake Huron, known for its unpredictable storms, has claimed countless vessels throughout history. One such victim was the schooner Samuel Amsden, a sturdy wooden ship that met its untimely demise on November 7, 1880. Join us as we uncover the details of this tragic event and pay homage to the lost vessel.
Built in 1862 by W. Quidder in Dunnville, Ontario, the Samuel Amsden was initially owned by McBirney of Port Dover. This two-masted schooner measured 75.9 feet in length, 20.4 feet in width, and had a depth of 8.2 feet. With a tonnage of 100, it was a formidable presence on Lake Huron’s waters.
Bound for Goderich from Michael’s Bay, Manitoulin Island, the Samuel Amsden carried a precious cargo of lumber. However, fate had other plans for the ship and its crew. Caught in the grip of a fierce storm, the vessel was mercilessly driven ashore, sealing its tragic fate.
Three and a half miles north of the Saugeen River, Ontario, the Samuel Amsden met its final resting place. Overwhelmed by the relentless forces of the storm, the schooner became a total wreck, forever entwined with the rugged shoreline. Miraculously, no lives were lost in this devastating event.
The story of the Samuel Amsden did not end with its wreck. In 1873, the vessel underwent a rebuilding process at Dunnville under the care of Shaw & Small. Reduced in size to 82 tons, the ship sought a new lease on life. However, fate had dealt its final blow, and the vessel would never sail the Great Lakes again.
The schooner Samuel Amsden, once a symbol of strength and resilience, succumbed to the unpredictable nature of Lake Huron. Its tragic end serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors who braved the open waters. Today, the wreck of the Samuel Amsden stands as a testament to the unforgiving power of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who sail the Great Lakes. May the memory of the lost vessel and its valiant crew forever be remembered.
