Aldebaran (1852)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Aldebaran
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1852
• Builder: F.D. Ketchum
• Dimensions: Not specified; likely typical for schooners of its class
• Registered Tonnage: 251 tons
• Location: Near Amherstburg, Ontario, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not specifically documented
• Original Owners: Farnham & Allen (by 1871)
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Aldebaran was a wooden, two-masted schooner constructed in 1852 by F.D. Ketchum in Huron, Ohio. With a gross tonnage of 251 tons, the vessel was built to transport bulk goods such as railroad ties, coal, and lumber across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Aldebaran were instrumental in supporting commerce during the 19th century, connecting ports and industries in the region.

Description

The Aldebaran was a wooden schooner that played a significant role in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Its construction allowed it to navigate the challenging waters of Lake Erie, where it was involved in various trade routes for over two decades.

History

Launched in 1852, the Aldebaran operated out of Buffalo, New York, serving Great Lakes trade routes for 24 years. The vessel had a history of surviving incidents that showcased the resilience of its design and crew:

• 1858: Grounded at Pointe Pelee Island, Lake Erie, but was successfully refloated and repaired.
• 1862: Underwent major repairs and rebuilding, extending its operational lifespan.
• 1868: Sank off Pointe aux Barques during a fall storm but was salvaged and returned to service.
• October 2, 1876: While loading railroad ties at Coatsworth’s dock near Amherstburg, Ontario, the schooner was torn loose by a severe storm and driven ashore, approximately 200 yards west of the dock.
• October 5, 1876: A sou’wester storm further damaged the vessel, breaking it up completely. Efforts by the Buffalo tug H.G. Nolton to rescue the schooner proved futile.

Throughout its operational history, the Aldebaran changed ownership several times, reflecting its role as a valuable asset in the Great Lakes shipping trade. By 1871, it was owned by Farnham & Allen of Buffalo, New York. Despite its storied resilience, the schooner ultimately succumbed to Lake Erie’s unpredictable weather.

Significant Incidents

The Aldebaran faced several significant incidents during its operational history:

• Grounded at Pointe Pelee Island in 1858 but was refloated.
• Underwent major repairs in 1862.
• Sank off Pointe aux Barques in 1868 but was salvaged.
• Driven ashore during a storm on October 2, 1876.
• Completely broken up by storms on October 5, 1876.

Final Disposition

The Aldebaran was declared a total loss following the storms of October 1876. Salvage crews stripped the vessel of valuable materials, leaving the wreckage abandoned near Amherstburg, Ontario. The remains are likely scattered along the shoreline, with no significant remnants easily accessible for exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreckage of the Aldebaran is entirely broken up, with remains likely scattered along the shoreline near Amherstburg. The deteriorated condition of the wreck limits its potential as a site for diving or exploration. However, it may hold interest for maritime historians studying the history of schooners on Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”aldebaran-1852″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Aldebaran epitomizes the challenges faced by schooners navigating the volatile waters of the Great Lakes. Despite surviving numerous incidents, the vessel was ultimately lost to a series of storms in 1876. Its wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation and the resilience of the maritime community during the 19th century.