Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Antelope
- Type: Gas Screw Ferry Vessel
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder: Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 43.6 ft (13.3 m); Beam: 9 ft (2.7 m); Depth of hold: 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 18 tons; Net: 9 tons
- Location: Stag Island, Ontario
- Official Number: Antelope 203314
- Original Owners: Merlin C. Fife
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Antelope was a small gas screw ferry vessel, designed for short-distance transport of passengers and goods. Its compact size and 50 HP engine made it well-suited for operations in the Great Lakes region, particularly in ferry service between ports and islands. With a gross tonnage of 18 tons, the Antelope was an efficient vessel for its role in regional transportation.
Description
The Antelope was constructed in 1902 in Detroit, Michigan, and operated primarily out of Port Huron, Michigan. Owned by Merlin C. Fife in its later years, the vessel was operated with a crew of two and served as a ferry in the Great Lakes region.
The vessel played an important role in facilitating short-distance transportation, connecting communities across the waterways. Its service life, while unremarkable compared to larger ships of the era, was significant for the regions it served.
History
On September 3, 1928, the Antelope was docked at Stag Island, Ontario, when it caught fire. No one was aboard at the time, and the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. The incident marked the end of the vessel’s operational life. The burning of the Antelope was noted in the Merchant Vessel List of 1929, officially recording its loss.
Significant Incidents
- September 3, 1928: The Antelope caught fire while docked at Stag Island, Ontario, resulting in its total loss.
Final Disposition
The fire destroyed the Antelope, and the vessel was declared a total loss. No records suggest that the remains were salvaged or preserved.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Antelope is no longer in existence due to the fire that consumed it in 1928.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”antelope-us-203314″ title=”References & Links”]
The Antelope served as a modest yet vital part of Great Lakes transportation, reflecting the importance of small ferry vessels in regional commerce and connectivity during the early 20th century. Its loss to fire at Stag Island in 1928 marked the end of a relatively brief but noteworthy career, emphasizing the risks faced by even the smallest vessels operating in this vital waterway system.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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