ABERCORN U105361

Site Description

Histroy

The ABERCORN, a steambarge, was built in 1874 in Marine City, Michigan. It had a wooden hull, measured 126.1 feet in length, 26.1 feet in width, and 11 feet in depth. The vessel was initially owned by James Leitch and others from Marine City. Over the years, the Abercorn had a series of owners, including Robert Leitch, Sarah Leitch, and Henry Pauly.

Throughout its history, the ABERCORN encountered various incidents and accidents. In September 1874, shortly after its launch, the ship ran aground and had to be lightered in Port Colborne, Ontario, on Lake Erie. In October 1883, it went aground again, this time on Spectacle Reef in Lake Huron. The vessel suffered further mishaps, such as collisions and mechanical issues, but managed to be repaired and continue its operations.

However, on September 5, 1904, tragedy struck the ABERCORN when it caught fire at the dock in Goderich, Ontario, on Lake Huron. The fire was caused by the explosion of a signal lamp. The vessel, owned by Captains W.J. Willoughby and Richard Baxter, was heavily damaged by the fire and ultimately abandoned. It was later sold to Canada in 1905.

Newspaper reports from the time describe the incident and the history of the ABERCORN. The vessel had a long-standing presence in the Great Lakes, transporting lumber and coal between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Despite its end in a fiery blaze, the Abercorn left behind a legacy of maritime history and its remains continue to attract attention as a dive site near Goderich, Ontario.

Shore Dive Rules to Live by

Rules to Shore Dive by

• Pick up after yourselves and others if need be
• Take only pictures, memories, and trash off the bottom
• Many shore dive sites are busiest on weekends so plan ahead
• Remember you’re the ambassador for the sport when approached by onlookers and locals. Paying attention and being polite can lead to other opportunities and locations.
• Have fun and lots of it after all that’s why you are there just like underwater beware of others around you for both positive and negative experiences
• If you’re the guy with the camera, video, or go pro, take a minute to show those outside your group what’s underneath.