Avarand – St. Lawrence River Steamer Shipwreck (1902)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Avarand
• Type: Steamship
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Ogdensburg, NY, St. Lawrence River

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Avarand was a steamship, powered by a steam engine, which offered more reliable and faster transportation compared to traditional sail-powered vessels. Steamships like the Avarand were integral to the economic and trade development of regions like the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These ships were pivotal in moving goods and passengers efficiently across major waterways.

Description

Although much of the Avarand‘s operational history and construction details remain undocumented, it was likely an active contributor to the regional trade system of the St. Lawrence River. Steamships in this region played a critical role in transporting goods, facilitating commerce, and supporting industrial activities.

History

On November 15, 1902, the Avarand met its tragic end when it caught fire while docked in Ogdensburg, NY. The fire, which consumed the entire vessel, marked the ship’s destruction and the end of its service. The cause of the fire is not recorded, leaving the exact circumstances of the incident unknown. The event likely had a significant impact on the local maritime and trade community of Ogdensburg, a key hub for river commerce.

Significant Incidents

• Fire incident on November 15, 1902, leading to complete destruction of the vessel.

Final Disposition

The Avarand was completely destroyed by fire during the incident in 1902. No salvage operations or efforts to recover parts of the vessel have been documented. Given the intensity of the fire, it is presumed that any remains of the ship were either consumed or scattered, with minimal chances of structural remnants being intact.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Avarand‘s wreck site has not been located or surveyed in modern times. There are no GPS coordinates or detailed records that indicate the precise location of its destruction at the Ogdensburg docks.

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Avarand. Due to the passage of time and the extent of the fire, the site is unlikely to pose a navigational hazard today.

Resources & Links

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The Avarand represents a lesser-documented chapter of maritime history in the St. Lawrence River. Its fiery destruction in 1902 underscores the challenges and risks faced by vessels during the peak of the steamship era. While its wreck has not been located, the story of the Avarand serves as a valuable piece of the historical tapestry of the region. Additional archival research could uncover more details about the ship’s operations and the events leading to its loss.