Anawan

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ANAWAN
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Approximately eight miles off Pultneyville, Lake Ontario, New York, USA
• Coordinates: Not available
• Original Owners: Mr. C. Smith, Buffalo, NY

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ANAWAN was a schooner, a widely used sailing vessel on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. These vessels were known for their fore-and-aft rigged sails and their adaptability to the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Designed primarily for cargo transport, schooners like the ANAWAN were a vital component of the bustling trade routes, providing speed and maneuverability necessary for navigating these vast inland waters.

Description

In June 1852, the ANAWAN departed from Buffalo, New York, carrying a valuable cargo bound for Presque Isle, Canada. With a crew of five men and a young passenger, the vessel embarked on what was expected to be a routine voyage. Schooners were critical to the economy of the time, transporting goods and materials between growing ports on the Great Lakes.

History

The journey turned tragic when the ANAWAN encountered a severe squall approximately eight miles off the shore of Pultneyville, New York. The heavy winds capsized the vessel, leaving it floating precariously on its beam ends. Despite efforts by the schooner PEARL, captained by Cochran, no survivors were found, and it was presumed that all six aboard had perished.

Days later, the ANAWAN was discovered and towed to Buffalo Harbor by the steamer Howard and the brig Champlain. Tragically, the body of a young boy, James Herrigan, who served as the ship’s cook, was found in the vessel’s hold. The inquest ruled his death as accidental drowning. No other remains were recovered, leaving the fate of the crew shrouded in mystery.

Significant Incidents

• June 1852: The ANAWAN capsized during a severe squall off Pultneyville, New York.
• Days later, the vessel was towed to Buffalo Harbor, where the body of a young boy was recovered.

Final Disposition

The ANAWAN was ultimately salvaged and brought to Buffalo Harbor, but its loss marked a grim chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario. The vessel was likely dismantled or decommissioned following the incident. It did not leave a wreck site on the lakebed, as it was recovered intact after the capsizing.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The ANAWAN did not remain submerged or abandoned in Lake Ontario. After being towed to Buffalo Harbor, it was likely dismantled or disposed of. Therefore, no physical wreck site exists today, making it a historical rather than an archaeological point of interest.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”anawan” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The story of the ANAWAN serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Though it did not become a submerged wreck, its tragic capsizing and the loss of life highlight the unpredictability of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century. The recovery of the vessel underscores the resilience of the maritime community in the face of such disasters.