IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The SAMUEL T. ATWATER was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel designed primarily for the transportation of lumber across the Great Lakes. With its large dimensions and robust construction, it was well-suited for the heavy loads it was tasked to carry. The schooner, typical of its era, was equipped with sails and relied on wind power for navigation, making it both a vital and vulnerable part of Great Lakes commerce.
HISTORY:
The SAMUEL T. ATWATER was launched in 1866 in Irondequoit (Charlotte), New York. It served for nearly three decades as a significant carrier of lumber, a vital commodity in the rapidly industrializing regions around the Great Lakes. However, the vessel’s history was marred by a series of maritime incidents that eventually led to its destruction.
In 1886, the SAMUEL T. ATWATER suffered hull damage after striking ice near Lexington, Michigan, on Lake Huron. The damage was severe enough that the schooner had to be towed to Bay City for repairs. During this journey, it collided with the ferry HALL, resulting in additional repairs.
The schooner underwent a significant rebuild in 1888 by Frank Alary in Tonawanda, New York. Despite this, the vessel continued to encounter difficulties. In 1889, it ran aground on Horseshoe Reef in Buffalo and later sank in Tonawanda, requiring salvage and further repair work.
The final chapter in the SAMUEL T. ATWATER’s service came on October 24, 1895. While being towed by the steamer M. GROH during a gale, the schooner was cast off and ultimately went aground on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. Despite the violent circumstances of its grounding, there were no reported casualties. Captain McDermott was the master of the vessel at the time of the incident.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The SAMUEL T. ATWATER was wrecked on October 24, 1895, after being cast off during a gale while under tow by the steamer M. GROH. The vessel went aground on Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, and was deemed a total loss. The wreck remains at its final resting place near the island.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the SAMUEL T. ATWATER. Divers and researchers should exercise caution when exploring the area due to potential hazards and the historical significance of the site.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The wreck site of the SAMUEL T. ATWATER has been known since the time of its sinking in 1895, with its location being identified soon after the incident.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
KEYWORDS:
SAMUEL T. ATWATER, S.T. ATWATER, schooner, Lake Huron shipwreck, Manitoulin Island, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century shipwreck.
CONCLUSION:
The SAMUEL T. ATWATER was a formidable schooner that played a crucial role in the transportation of lumber across the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. However, the vessel’s history is also a testament to the dangers of maritime navigation in that era, particularly in the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. Despite its rebuilds and repairs, the schooner ultimately succumbed to the elements, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the rich history of Great Lakes shipping. The wreck of the SAMUEL T. ATWATER remains a poignant reminder of the perils faced by vessels of its time.
