SHIPWRECK REPORT: AMETHYST

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Amethyst
  • Type: Wooden Propeller Tug (Towboat)
  • Builder: Van Slyke & Notter
  • Year Built: 1868
  • Build Location: Buffalo, New York, USA
    • Specifications:
    • Length: 45.4 feet (13.8 meters)
    • Beam: 11.4 feet (3.5 meters)
    • Depth: 5.4 feet (1.6 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 14.18 tons
  • Net Tonnage: 7.09 tons
  • Propulsion:
  • Registration: Official Number 1712, United States

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Amethyst was a compact wooden propeller Tug designed for towing and assisting vessels in the Great Lakes region. With a small frame and robust engine, the vessel was ideally suited for navigating harbors and supporting industries such as fishing and lumber. Its versatility and sturdy construction made it an essential part of maritime operations during its time.

HISTORY

Initial Ownership and Enrollment:

The Amethyst was initially owned by Martin Wheeler of Duluth, Minnesota. First enrolled in Buffalo, New York, the vessel quickly became part of the maritime trade in the western Great Lakes, transferring its enrollment to Ontonagon, Michigan, in 1868.

Ownership Changes and Service:

Over the years, the Amethyst changed hands multiple times, reflecting its utility and adaptability:

  • 1870: Owned by RG-Cobunn of Duluth, Minnesota.
  • 1882: Acquired by Jacob Hector and others in Duluth, Minnesota, to support fishing operations in the Apostle Islands.
  • 1879: The Amethyst suffered from a leaking incident and ran ashore 63 miles northwest of Duluth, Minnesota. It was salvaged and returned to service.
  • 1885: The vessel underwent significant renovations, receiving a new Deck and upper works to extend its operational life.

Final Loss in 1888:

On October 26, 1888, the Amethyst met its tragic end when it caught fire while docked at the Duluth Lumber Co. dock in Duluth, Minnesota. The fire completely destroyed the vessel, burning it down to the waterline. At the time, it was owned by Cooley, Lavaque & Co. of Chicago and chartered to Jeffery Bros. The cause of the fire remains undocumented, but the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

Legacy:

Parts of the Amethyst’s Hull were salvaged and repurposed in 1892 for the construction of a new Tug, the JD. McFadden (US77041). This reuse of components highlights the value placed on ship materials and the enduring impact of the Amethyst on Great Lakes maritime history.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Amethyst was destroyed by fire on October 26, 1888, while docked at Duluth, Minnesota. It was declared a Total Loss, with the remains salvaged for use in constructing the JD. McFadden.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Amethyst. The vessel’s remains were repurposed, and no wreckage is believed to exist at the original loss site.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Amethyst’s loss site was documented shortly after the fire in 1888. Its physical remnants were salvaged in 1892 for use in constructing the JD. McFadden.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Due to the salvage and repurposing of the vessel’s components, no known remains of the Amethyst exist for exploration or diving.

RESOURCES & LINKS

CONCLUSION

The Amethyst served a vital role in the Great Lakes’ maritime industries during its 20-year operational life. Despite its small size, the Tug’s impact on regional trade and fishing was significant. Its loss in 1888 marked the end of its direct contributions, but the reuse of its Hull materials in the JD. McFadden ensured that part of its legacy lived on. The Amethyst remains a part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of vessels and their operators in the 19th century.

Keywords: Amethyst, Tugboat, Great Lakes, Duluth, Shipwreck, Wooden Vessel, Apostle Islands, Maritime History, JD. McFadden.