.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Avarand was a steamship, a type of vessel widely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting goods and passengers across major waterways. Steamships like the Avarand were powered by steam engines, which allowed for more reliable and faster transportation compared to sail-powered ships. These vessels were integral to the bustling trade and transportation networks that supported the economic growth of regions like the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
HISTORY #
The Avarand played a vital role in the regional trade system, though specific details about its construction, operational history, and ownership remain largely undocumented. The steamship was likely built prior to 1902 and served as a workhorse for transporting goods and possibly passengers along the St. Lawrence River. This river, a critical artery for trade, was heavily trafficked by steamships like the Avarand, which contributed significantly to the economic activities in the surrounding areas.
On November 15, 1902, the Avarand met its untimely end when it caught fire while docked in Ogdensburg, NY. The fire, whose origins are not clearly documented, resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel. The incident would have been a significant event in the maritime history of Ogdensburg, a city known for its role in regional trade and transportation.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Avarand was completely destroyed by fire on November 15, 1902, while it was docked in Ogdensburg, NY. The intensity of the fire likely left little to no salvageable remains, and the specific aftermath, including any loss of life or cargo, is not well documented. The vessel’s destruction marked the end of its service on the St. Lawrence River.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
There is no specific record of the Avarand being located or surveyed after its destruction. The site where the vessel was destroyed has not been pinpointed with GPS coordinates, and any remnants of the vessel are likely scattered and degraded, making it difficult to locate.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the Avarand wreck site. Given the extent of the fire, it is unlikely that the site poses a significant navigational hazard.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Maritime Database – Bowling Green State University
- Library and Archives Canada
- Library of Congress – Chronicling America
Additional research in local historical archives, newspaper accounts from November 1902, and maritime records may provide more context and details about the Avarand and the fire that led to its destruction.
CONCLUSION #
The Avarand is a lesser-known but intriguing part of the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River. Its destruction by fire in 1902 represents one of many tragic events that have occurred on this vital waterway, contributing to the rich tapestry of stories that define the region. While the remains of the Avarand may never be fully uncovered, the incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by vessels during the height of the steamship era.
Keywords #
St. Lawrence River shipwreck, Avarand steamship, Ogdensburg NY maritime history, 1902 ship fire, Great Lakes steamships, historical shipwreck report, St. Lawrence River navigation, steamship disaster, maritime research, shipwreck exploration.