Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Amity (also known as Almighty, Amily)
- Type: Sidewheel Propeller (Pollywog)
- Year Built: 1856
- Builder: Allen Coutts in Chatham, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 102 ft (31.1 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Long Point, Ontario
- Original Owners: Originally owned by G. Thomas & A. McKellar; later by Messrs. Eberts of Chatham
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Amity was a wooden sidewheel propeller ship, colloquially called a “pollywog” due to its distinctive design. These vessels, equipped with side-mounted paddle wheels, were pivotal to mid-19th-century Great Lakes commerce. The Amity primarily transported passengers and cargo along key trade routes. Its sidewheel propulsion system provided efficient navigation across the challenging and unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.
Description
Launched on July 12, 1856, the Amity was originally owned by G. Thomas & A. McKellar. In 1860, ownership transferred to Messrs. Eberts of Chatham. The vessel played a crucial role in connecting Montreal and Chatham, supporting regional trade and commerce.
By October 1864, the Amity had been in service for nearly a decade and was transporting staves to Windsor, Ontario. During this voyage, the vessel encountered a fierce storm on Lake Erie. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the Amity was driven off course and stranded near Long Point, Ontario. The relentless storm ultimately destroyed the vessel. Fortunately, all lives aboard were saved, but the Amity was lost to the lake.
History
The Amity was shattered by a storm near Long Point, Ontario, in 1864, bringing an abrupt end to its service. The wreck’s exact condition and location remain undocumented, leaving its story partially incomplete.
Significant Incidents
- The Amity was lost during a storm on Lake Erie in October 1864.
Final Disposition
The wreck’s discovery details are not documented. The site is presumed to be near Long Point, Ontario, based on historical accounts of the sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is likely significantly deteriorated due to its age and environmental exposure. Accessibility for diving or further research is not well-documented, making the wreck a potential candidate for future exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”amity-almighty-amily1856″ title=”References & Links”]
The Amity stands as a testament to the resilience of mid-19th-century maritime commerce and the risks faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes. Its destruction near Long Point in 1864 underscores the relentless power of nature and the inherent challenges of operating in these waters. Though the wreck remains largely unexplored, the story of the Amity captivates historians and maritime enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the era’s perilous yet vital trade networks.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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