Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Abernethy
• Type: Dredge Vessel
• Year Built: 1910
• Builder: Amherstburg, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 86 ft (26.2 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 260 tons
• Location: Pelee Island, Lake Erie, Ontario
• Coordinates: Not available
• Official Number: 130386

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Abernethy was a wooden-hulled dredge vessel, a vital component of early 20th-century maritime infrastructure. KEYWORDS Aberdeen Wood Bulk Freighter Picton Lake Ontario Bay of Quinte Shipwreck Fire Maritime History Great Lakes like the Abernethy were built to excavate and remove sediment, maintaining navigable waterways for commercial and industrial traffic. With a robust design and single-deck structure, the Abernethy was well-suited to perform its duties in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

Constructed in 1910 in Amherstburg, Ontario, the Abernethy contributed significantly to maintaining navigable waterways in the region. At 86 feet in length and with a beam of 26 feet, the vessel was a sturdy and reliable asset for dredging operations.

History

On October 24, 1914, the Abernethy met its end near Pelee Island in Lake Erie. The circumstances surrounding its loss remain unclear, as available records provide limited details. The vessel’s fate is shrouded in mystery, with no documented cause of the incident or further accounts of its final moments.

Significant Incidents

• The Abernethy was presumed lost near Pelee Island, Ontario, on October 24, 1914. The specific events leading to its demise have not been documented, leaving the nature of the incident unresolved.

Final Disposition

The Abernethy was presumed lost near Pelee Island, Ontario, on October 24, 1914. The specific events leading to its demise have not been documented, leaving the nature of the incident unresolved.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the Abernethy is unknown. Its final resting place has not been identified, and there are no records of the wreck being explored or surveyed. It is not considered a known dive site.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The loss of the Abernethy near Pelee Island on October 24, 1914, remains an enigma in Great Lakes maritime history. While its contributions to dredging operations are remembered, the lack of detailed records about its demise highlights the challenges and dangers faced by working vessels during the early 20th century. The Abernethy’s story adds another chapter to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, emphasizing the importance of these vessels in maintaining critical waterways and the risks inherent in their operation.