IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Abernethy was a wooden dredge vessel constructed in 1910 in Amherstburg, Ontario. Dredge vessels like the Abernethy were used for excavating and removing sediment from the bottoms of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. With a single deck and a robust wooden hull, the Abernethy was well-suited for its purpose. The vessel’s dimensions and tonnage indicate it was a significant workhorse for dredging operations in the region.
HISTORY #
The Abernethy served as a dredge vessel following its construction in 1910. With a length of 86 feet and a beam of 26 feet, the Abernethy was an essential asset in maintaining navigable waterways, contributing to the infrastructure of the Great Lakes. Unfortunately, on October 24, 1914, the Abernethy met its end near Pelee Island in Lake Erie, Ontario. The circumstances surrounding its final disposition remain unclear, as available records do not provide further details on the incident.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The fate of the Abernethy on October 24, 1914, remains somewhat of a mystery. While it is known that the vessel was last located near Pelee Island, the specific events leading to its demise have not been documented in detail. The vessel was presumably lost on that date, but further information is required to understand the nature of the incident.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are in effect for this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- The exact location of the wreck has not been identified, and there are no GPS coordinates available.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The current condition of the Abernethy is unknown. Given the lack of specific details regarding its final moments, the wreck’s condition and location remain a mystery. It is not known as a dive site, and its accessibility is undetermined.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
TAGS #
Abernethy, Dredge Vessel, Shipwreck, Lake Erie, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Pelee Island
CONCLUSION #
The Abernethy’s loss near Pelee Island on October 24, 1914, adds to the long list of shipwrecks that have occurred on the Great Lakes. While the specifics of its final voyage remain unclear, the vessel’s contribution to dredging operations during its service years is remembered. The mystery surrounding its fate underscores the dangers faced by working vessels in the early 20th century.
