Amboy (Helena)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Amboy
• Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
• Year Built: 1874
• Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 209 ft (63.7 m); Beam: 34.2 ft (10.4 m); Depth of hold: 14.4 ft (4.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 863.93 tons
• Location: Near Thomasville, Ontario, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Amboy, originally built as the Helena, was a three-masted wooden schooner-barge designed for bulk cargo transport. Often used as a consort to larger steam-powered freighters, schooner-barges like the Amboy played a vital role in transporting coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. After its repair and renaming in 1891, the vessel continued to operate as a consort, enduring the rigors of heavy cargo transport and the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

The Helena began service in 1874, operating as a consort to the screw bulk freighter Havana, owned by the Cleveland Transportation Company. Throughout its career, the vessel endured numerous incidents, including groundings, collisions, and storms.

History

The Helena began service in 1874, operating as a consort to the screw bulk freighter Havana, owned by the Cleveland Transportation Company. Throughout its career, the vessel endured numerous incidents, including groundings, collisions, and storms.

Major Incidents:

• July 1891: The Helena sank in Little Mud Lake, St. Marys River, after colliding with another vessel. One life was lost in the incident.
  • Following the sinking, the vessel was raised, repaired, and renamed Amboy. The Milwaukee Tug Boat Line oversaw its restoration, during which its dimensions were slightly altered.
• The Amboy resumed service, continuing to haul bulk cargoes under challenging conditions.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage:

On November 28, 1905, while being towed by the steamer George Spencer, the Amboy encountered a severe gale on Lake Superior. Despite enduring the storm for an entire day, the vessel ultimately went ashore near Thomasville, Ontario. The violent weather caused the Amboy to break apart, leading to its total loss. Fortunately, all six crew members survived the ordeal, and no fatalities were reported.

Final Disposition

The Amboy was declared a total loss after it broke apart in the storm. The remains of the vessel are likely scattered near Thomasville, Ontario, though specific details about the wreckage’s condition or location are unavailable. The vessel was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of its loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Amboy is not well-documented. Given its wooden construction and the force of the storm, the wreck is likely scattered and in an advanced state of deterioration. Accessibility for diving remains uncertain due to a lack of specific depth or site information.

Resources & Links

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The Amboy, initially launched as the Helena, represents the integral role of schooner-barges in Great Lakes shipping during a transformative period in maritime history. Despite its resilience and adaptability, the vessel’s loss in 1905 underscores the relentless dangers of the Great Lakes. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the enduring legacy of these vital cargo vessels.