Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Antares
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: A. Stevens
- Dimensions: 80-100 ft (24.38-30.48 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 128 tons
- Location: Ogden Canal, Lake Erie region
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates not publicly available
- Original Owners: Robinson & others
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Antares was a wooden schooner built in 1852 by A. Stevens in Cattaraugus, New York. With an estimated length of 80–100 feet and a tonnage of 128 tons, the schooner was small but robust, designed for the cargo transportation needs of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. It underwent significant repairs in 1869 and 1871 to maintain seaworthiness, reflecting its resilience despite the challenges of age and wear.
Description
The Antares was built in 1852 and valued at $1,800, initially serving as a reliable cargo vessel on the Great Lakes. It operated out of Chicago under the ownership of Robinson & others, becoming an integral part of the bustling maritime trade of the region, carrying goods across the lakes.
History
Operational Challenges:
- The Antares underwent major repairs in 1869 and 1871, signaling its owners’ efforts to keep the aging vessel operational.
- By 1879, it was marked as “not insurable” by Lloyd’s Register, likely due to structural issues, incidents, or its advanced age.
Discrepancies in Records:
Conflicting accounts exist regarding its origins:
- Some records suggest it was built in Cattaraugus, New York, in 1852.
- Others claim construction in Irving, New York, in 1863.
Such discrepancies are not uncommon in historical ship records and add to the intrigue surrounding the vessel.
Significant Incidents
Final Years and Sinking:
The Antares continued to operate despite its “not insurable” status, a testament to the determination of its crew and owners. However, it eventually sank in the Ogden Canal under unclear circumstances. The lack of attempts to salvage the vessel likely reflected its deteriorated condition and the high costs of such operations at the time.
Final Disposition
The Antares rests in the Ogden Canal, a submerged relic of Great Lakes maritime history. Its exact location and condition have not been extensively documented, but it remains a symbol of the end of an era for schooners in the region.
Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. The site is considered a location of historical interest rather than a navigational hazard.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The condition of the Antares is presumed to be poor, with its wooden hull and structure likely deteriorated after over a century submerged. The shallow waters of the Ogden Canal may make it accessible to divers, though the site has not been extensively explored or documented.
Resources & Links
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The Antares embodies the spirit and challenges of Great Lakes schooners in the 19th century. Its decades of service, despite being deemed uninsurable in its later years, highlight the risks faced by sailors and shipowners of the time. The vessel’s final resting place in the Ogden Canal serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich maritime history. Conflicting records and the mystery surrounding its final voyage add intrigue to its story, inviting further exploration and study.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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