SS George Spencer Ship: A Look Back at its History and Impact

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Scenic view of a city harbor with a distinctive ship and modern buildings across a calm river.
Credit: pexels.com, Scenic view of a city harbor with a distinctive ship and modern buildings across a calm river.

The SS George Spencer was a ship that played a significant role in maritime history. It was built in 1905.

The George Spencer was a cargo ship that sailed across the globe, transporting goods and supplies. Its cargo holds were designed to carry a wide range of commodities, from grains to machinery.

The ship's crew was made up of experienced sailors who navigated treacherous waters and unpredictable weather conditions. They were skilled in the art of ship handling and maintenance.

Despite its impressive size, the George Spencer was known for its maneuverability and agility.

History of SS George Spencer

The George Spencer was built in 1884 by the Thomas Quayle & Sons Shipyard in Cleveland, Ohio.

She was a massive vessel, measuring 242 feet in overall length and 37 feet in width.

Her cargo hold was 20 feet deep and was powered by a 625-horsepower fore and aft compound engine.

The George Spencer was used to haul bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal, and grain.

Exploratory aerial view of a shipwreck on the rocky shores of Chukai, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Credit: pexels.com, Exploratory aerial view of a shipwreck on the rocky shores of Chukai, Terengganu, Malaysia.

In 1888, she was sold to B.L. Pennington, marking a significant change in ownership.

She was then transferred to Lockwood Taylor Hardware Company in 1889, with B. F. Powers owning a 1/3 stake.

The George Spencer played a role in the opening of the port in Two Harbors, Minnesota, loading iron ore in 1884.

In 1895, she was transferred to the Commercial Transit Company, another shift in ownership.

On September 9, 1901, the George Spencer grounded at the head of Little Island while sailing down the west channel of the Niagara River.

She was carrying 1,400 tons of iron ore destined for the Tonawanda Iron & Steel Plant.

Final Voyage

The SS George Spencer's final voyage was a harrowing experience for its crew and passengers. On November 28, 1905, the ship was bound for Duluth, Minnesota with a cargo of coal.

The crew of the Spencer cut the line between her and the Amboy in an attempt to save both ships. The decision to separate the vessels was likely a crucial one, as it allowed the crew to focus on saving their own ship.

View of the Ludwig Fessler Paddle Steamer in a Harbor on Chiemsee in Germany
Credit: pexels.com, View of the Ludwig Fessler Paddle Steamer in a Harbor on Chiemsee in Germany

The storm that hit the ships was a powerful one, known as the Mataafa Storm. The full force of the storm was felt by the Spencer and the Amboy, causing them to lose their bearings in the snowstorm.

A breeches buoy was rigged up by nearby fishermen to help the crew escape the ship. This makeshift device allowed the crew to be pulled to safety, one by one.

The crew of the Spencer and the Amboy were aided by fishermen who rushed into the surf to help them escape. This act of bravery and selflessness likely saved the lives of everyone on board.

Here's a list of the ships involved in the wreck:

  • SS George Spencer
  • Amboy
  • Ira H. Owen (lost with all hands)

The Spencer's cargo was eventually lightered, but there was little hope for saving the ship itself. The Amboy, on the other hand, was a total wreck, according to Captain C.O. Flynn's assessment.

Media: George Spencer

The SS George Spencer was a ship with a rich history, and a look at its media can give us a glimpse into its past. Here are some key facts about the George Spencer's images.

Credit: youtube.com, 9-6-09 Site of Amboy and Spencer shipwreck

The George Spencer was a ship built in 1884, and it's not surprising to see that there are several images of the ship from that time period. One of the most interesting images is the George Spencer and Amboy.png, which shows the ship alongside another vessel.

The George Spencer was a significant ship, and its images are a testament to its importance. The George Spencer ship 2.jpg is a large image that gives us a good look at the ship's size and design.

The George Spencer was also a working ship, and its images show it in various states of operation. The George Spencer unloading.jpg shows the ship in the process of unloading cargo.

Here are the different images of the George Spencer:

  • George Spencer and Amboy.png (688 × 963; 853 KB)
  • George Spencer in dry dock.jpg (328 × 492; 71 KB)
  • George Spencer ship 2.jpg (1,576 × 1,007; 181 KB)
  • George Spencer ship.png (323 × 480; 206 KB)
  • George Spencer unloading.jpg (500 × 366; 20 KB)
  • George Spencer.png (245 × 232; 68 KB)

Today

The George Spencer lies off the beach and about one mile south of Sugar Loaf Cove. This beautiful crescent-shaped beach stretches for a quarter mile, blending from large cobbles on the north to sand on the south section.

Black and white photo of a steaming ferry cruising through Hamburg, Germany's scenic waterways.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white photo of a steaming ferry cruising through Hamburg, Germany's scenic waterways.

Much of the hull of the George Spencer has been removed, but there are still large bits of her hull remaining on the site. Her wreck is a lot more intact than that of the Amboy.

A 141-foot long section of the base of her wooden hull from the turn of the bilge down remains, lying perpendicular to the beach. This section is a remarkable piece of history that gives us a glimpse into the past.

Her bow lies in just 3 feet of water, about 40 feet from the beach, while her stern lies in a slightly deeper 20 feet of water.

Nellie Kling

Copy Editor

Nellie Kling is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for clear, concise writing. She has honed her skills over years of experience, ensuring that every article she touches is polished and engaging. Nellie's expertise shines through in her coverage of cruise line news, where she provides insightful and well-researched content that captivates her audience.

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