1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Amboy, originally built as the Helena in 1874 by Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio, was a wooden-hulled schooner-barge with three masts. This type of vessel was commonly used as a consort to larger steamships, allowing it to transport large quantities of bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. After being wrecked and repaired in 1891, the vessel was renamed Amboy and continued to operate as a consort vessel, with slight modifications made to its dimensions during the repair.
3. HISTORY #
The schooner-barge Helena, later renamed Amboy, had a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes. Built in 1874, the vessel initially served as a consort to the screw bulk freighter Havana, owned by the Cleveland Transportation Company. Throughout its service life, the vessel faced numerous incidents, including collisions, groundings, and challenges posed by severe storms.
In July 1891, the Helena sank in Little Mud Lake in the St. Marys River after colliding with another vessel, resulting in the loss of one life. The vessel was subsequently raised, repaired, and renamed Amboy by the Milwaukee Tug Boat Line. After the repairs, the vessel’s dimensions were slightly modified, and it resumed service on the Great Lakes, carrying bulk cargoes as before.
On November 28, 1905, while being towed by the steamer George Spencer, the Amboy encountered a powerful storm on Lake Superior. The vessel struggled against the gale for an entire day before ultimately going ashore near Thomasville, Ontario. The severe weather caused the Amboy to break apart, leading to its total loss. Fortunately, all six crew members aboard survived the incident, and no fatalities were reported. The vessel was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of its sinking.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Amboy was declared a total loss after breaking up during a storm on November 28, 1905. The vessel went ashore near Thomasville, Ontario, on Lake Superior, and was unable to withstand the storm’s force. The remains of the vessel likely scattered in the area, though specific details about the wreck’s current condition are not readily available.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Amboy. However, mariners in the Thomasville area should be aware of potential underwater hazards related to the scattered remains of the vessel.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Amboy is located near Thomasville, Ontario, in Lake Superior. The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not provided, but the site has been known since the vessel’s loss in 1905.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The condition of the Amboy’s wreck is not well-documented. Given the wooden construction and the violent nature of the storm that caused the vessel to break apart, it is likely that the wreck is scattered and deteriorated. The exact depth and accessibility of the wreck remain unspecified, and further exploration would be required to determine its current state.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Great Lakes Drive
- History of the Great Lakes
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The Amboy’s history is emblematic of the risks faced by schooner-barges operating on the Great Lakes. From its construction as Helena in 1874 to its renaming and final loss in 1905, the vessel’s service was marked by both resilience and vulnerability. The frequent accidents and eventual destruction of the Amboy highlight the harsh conditions that Great Lakes vessels had to endure, particularly during the stormy late autumn months.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Diving information for the wreck of the Amboy is not readily available. Given the wooden construction and the circumstances of the wreck, it is likely that the site would require advanced diving skills, particularly if the wreckage is scattered or lies in deep water. Divers interested in exploring the site should proceed with caution and respect the historical significance of the vessel.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Wooden Schooner-Barge
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The schooner-barge Amboy, originally known as Helena, played an important role in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Its history of service, marked by several incidents and its final loss in 1905, reflects the challenges faced by such vessels. The wreck of the Amboy remains an important part of Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a reminder of the perils of navigating these vast and often treacherous waters.
