AMARETTA MOSHER U389

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The AMARETTA MOSHER was a wooden schooner barge built in 1867 in Ashtabula, Ohio. The vessel was originally constructed with two masts and was later rebuilt as a three-masted schooner. It had a gross tonnage of 300 tons and a net tonnage of 285 tons, with dimensions of 134.9 feet in length, 30.5 feet in beam, and 10.6 feet in depth. The AMARETTA MOSHER was registered under U.S. number 389, with Port Huron, Michigan, as its home port.

HISTORY #

Launched in 1867, the AMARETTA MOSHER had a long service history on the Great Lakes. The vessel experienced numerous incidents and modifications throughout its operational life, including collisions, groundings, and storm damage. The vessel underwent several significant repairs, including refastening in 1874, a new deck in 1876, and further modifications in the years that followed.

The AMARETTA MOSHER was involved in several notable incidents:

• 1869: Collision with the schooner NORTH STAR in Chicago.
• 1871: Collision with the schooner H.C. POST on Black River and damage from a collision with the tug BABCOCK in Chicago.
• 1873: Sustained damage during a storm on Lake Michigan.
• 1879: Ran aground at Fighting Island in the Detroit River.
• 1893: Ran aground with a cargo of cedar in Cheboygan, Michigan, on Lake Huron.

The vessel’s ownership changed hands multiple times, with its final owners including J.S. Dunham, David Hutchinson, William H. Hutchinson, and J.M. Shackett. By 1902, the AMARETTA MOSHER was operating as a barge, transporting coal across the Great Lakes.

On November 29, 1902, the AMARETTA MOSHER was wrecked on Starve Island Reef in Lake Erie. The vessel was loaded with coal at the time, along with the steamer D.F. ROSE, which was also stranded on the reef. According to reports from the Port Huron Daily Times on December 2, 1902, the MOSHER did not appear to be severely damaged, though the ROSE was in poor condition. The wreck of the AMARETTA MOSHER was subsequently omitted from the Merchant Vessel List in 1903, marking the end of its documented history.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The AMARETTA MOSHER wrecked on Starve Island Reef, Lake Erie, on November 29, 1902. The wreckage lies in 22 feet of water, likely scattered across the reef. Given the vessel’s age and the damage sustained during its final voyage, the remains may be partially submerged or buried in sediment.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when approaching the area due to the shallow depth and potential debris from the wreck.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck was reported shortly after the incident in November 1902. The location has been documented in historical records and is known to local maritime historians and divers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the AMARETTA MOSHER lies in 22 feet of water near Starve Island Reef. The shallow depth makes the site accessible to divers, though the wreckage is likely scattered and in a deteriorated condition. The reef’s location may pose navigation hazards, so caution is advised.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and reports from the Port Huron Daily Times.
• Further Reading:
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File
  • Great Lakes Ships
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the AMARETTA MOSHER on November 29, 1902, represents the final chapter in the history of a vessel that served on the Great Lakes for over three decades. Despite the many repairs and modifications it underwent, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the treacherous conditions of Lake Erie. Today, the wreck lies in shallow water near Starve Island Reef, offering a glimpse into the past for those who explore its remains.

TAGS #

• Tags: #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #SchoonerBarge #AmarettaMosher #StarveIslandReef #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration