SHIPWRECK REPORT: AMBOY (formerly HELENA)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Wreck Name: Amboy
  • Other Names: Helena (until 1891)
  • Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
  • Built: 1874
  • Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Original Dimensions:
    • Length: 209 feet (63.7 meters)
    • Beam: 34.2 feet (10.4 meters)
    • Depth: 14.4 feet (4.4 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 863.93 tons
  • Post-repair Dimensions (1891):
    • Length: 209.3 feet (63.8 meters)
    • Beam: 33.8 feet (10.3 meters)
    • Depth: 14.3 feet (4.36 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 893 tons
  • Location: Near Thomasville, Ontario, Lake Superior
  • Date of Loss: November 28, 1905
  • Coordinates: Not specified
  • Depth: Not documented

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Amboy, originally built as the Helena, was a three-masted wooden Schooner-Barge designed for bulk cargo transport. Often used as a consort to larger steam-powered freighters, Schooner-barges like the Amboy played a vital role in transporting coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. After its repair and renaming in 1891, the vessel continued to operate as a consort, enduring the rigors of heavy cargo transport and the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Helena began service in 1874, operating as a consort to the screw bulk freighter Havana, owned by the Cleveland Transportation Company. Throughout its career, the vessel endured numerous incidents, including groundings, collisions, and storms.

Major Incidents:

  • July 1891: The Helena sank in Little Mud Lake, St. Marys River, after colliding with another vessel. One life was lost in the incident.
    • Following the sinking, the vessel was raised, repaired, and renamed Amboy. The Milwaukee Tug Boat Line oversaw its restoration, during which its dimensions were slightly altered.
  • The Amboy resumed service, continuing to haul bulk cargoes under challenging conditions.

Final Voyage

On November 28, 1905, while being towed by the Steamer George Spencer, the Amboy encountered a severe gale on Lake Superior. Despite enduring the storm for an entire day, the vessel ultimately went ashore near Thomasville, Ontario. The violent weather caused the Amboy to break apart, leading to its Total Loss. Fortunately, all six crew members survived the ordeal, and no fatalities were reported.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Amboy was declared a Total Loss after it broke apart in the storm. The remains of the vessel are likely scattered near Thomasville, Ontario, though specific details about the wreckage’s condition or location are unavailable. The vessel was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of its loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories associated with the Amboy. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near Thomasville, as scattered remains of the wreck may still pose underwater hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The site of the wreck was known immediately following the incident in 1905. However, precise documentation or exploration of the wreck has not been detailed in historical records.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The condition of the Amboy is not well-documented. Given its wooden construction and the force of the storm, the wreck is likely scattered and in an advanced state of deterioration. Accessibility for diving remains uncertain due to a lack of specific depth or site information.

RESOURCES & LINKS

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The Amboy exemplifies the risks faced by Schooner-barges on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its history of resilience, from its initial construction as the Helena to its final loss in 1905, highlights the endurance of such vessels and their crews despite numerous challenges.

DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

The lack of detailed site documentation suggests that any remains of the Amboy would require thorough underwater exploration. Divers interested in the site should prepare for the possibility of scattered and degraded wreckage. The potential historical significance of the site warrants careful study and respect.

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CONCLUSION

The Amboy, initially launched as the Helena, represents the integral role of Schooner-barges in Great Lakes shipping during a transformative period in maritime history. Despite its resilience and adaptability, the vessel’s loss in 1905 underscores the relentless dangers of the Great Lakes. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the enduring legacy of these vital cargo vessels.