Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ALTON
- Type: Gas Screw Passenger Launch
- Year Built: 1905
- Builder: J. Pouliot, Sandusky, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 42 ft (12.8 m); Beam: 9 ft 3 in (2.8 m); Depth: 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 7 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 1.2 m / 4 ft
- Location: Not documented; presumed in Sandusky, Ohio area
- Official Number: 203057
- Original Owners: Sandusky, Ohio
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ALTON was a small wooden gas screw passenger launch built in 1905. Its compact design and light tonnage made it suitable for short-distance passenger transport, likely catering to local communities and tourists around Sandusky, Ohio. The vessel represented an era of emerging gas-powered watercraft designed for efficiency and convenience on the Great Lakes.
Description
The ALTON was launched in 1905, receiving its first official enrollment on June 9, 1906, in Sandusky, Ohio. Serving as a passenger launch, the vessel played a modest role in facilitating regional transportation.
History
In 1921, the ALTON was completely destroyed by fire. Historical records do not provide specific details about the circumstances of the fire, whether it occurred during operation or while docked. No casualties or injuries were recorded, and the incident led to the total loss of the vessel.
By 1923, the vessel was officially listed as “abandoned,” marking the end of its operational history.
Significant Incidents
- The ALTON was declared a total loss due to the fire.
- No specific details about the fire’s circumstances are available.
- No casualties or injuries were reported.
Final Disposition
The ALTON was declared a total loss due to the fire. Any remaining wreckage is undocumented and presumed minimal, given the nature of the destruction. The vessel was officially “abandoned” in 1923.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Given the nature of its destruction by fire, no substantial remains of the ALTON are expected. The vessel is not considered accessible or noteworthy as a dive site or for exploration purposes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alton-us-203057″ title=”References & Links”]
The ALTON serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of early 20th-century wooden gas-powered vessels. Its destruction by fire in 1921 underscores the risks associated with this emerging propulsion technology. Despite its relatively brief service, the vessel contributed to the maritime landscape of Sandusky, Ohio, and adds to the tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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