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Shipwreck Report: SS Comet

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: SS Comet
  • Vessel Type: Wooden-hulled propeller-driven cargo/passenger Steamship
  • Year Built: 1857
  • Builder: Peak and Masters, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Sister Ship: Rocket
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Owner(s): W.M. Hanna and George W. Chapin (final owners)
  • Final Location: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: Not specified
  • Depth: Protected as part of Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve

Vessel Type Description

The Comet was a wooden-hulled Steamship initially constructed as a cargo vessel. Equipped with a propeller propulsion system, it served as a reliable workhorse for freight transportation across the Great Lakes. Later modifications allowed the vessel to accommodate passengers, expanding its utility and importance in the region. Its robust design was typical of mid-19th-century steamships, capable of handling the variable conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

The SS Comet began its service in 1857, joining a bustling era of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Over its operational life, the vessel endured a series of incidents that shaped its tumultuous legacy:

  • 1863: Collided with another vessel on Lake Erie, resulting in the sinking of the other ship.
  • 1865: Ran aground near Port Washington, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan.
  • 1869 (August): Collided with and sank the sidewheeler Silver Spray.
  • 1869 (later that year): Collided with the propeller-driven vessel Hunter near Detroit, Michigan. Both ships were salvaged and restored.

Despite these incidents, the Comet continued to ply the Great Lakes, demonstrating resilience in an era of frequent maritime hazards.

Final Voyage & Loss

On August 26, 1875, the SS Comet departed Duluth, Minnesota, en route to Buffalo, New York, carrying cargo and passengers. The voyage proceeded uneventfully until the vessel rounded Whitefish Point in Lake Superior, where tragedy struck.

Collision:

The Comet collided with the Steamer Manitoba, which struck the Comet’s port side near the Stern. The collision caused the Comet to split and sink rapidly, with the upper works disappearing within a minute.

Casualties:

Ten crew members lost their lives, including those stationed below Deck. Heroic efforts by the Manitoba’s crew saved 14 survivors, including Captain Dugat.

Investigations:

Maritime inquiries in the United States and Canada exonerated Captain Dugat, citing unforeseen circumstances as the primary cause of the accident.

Legacy

The SS Comet is remembered not only for its tragic end but also for the mystery surrounding its final voyage. Onboard the ship was a 70-ton cargo of Montana silver ore, which remains unrecovered to this day. The lore surrounding this “treasure ship” of Lake Superior has fueled numerous salvage attempts, including:

The artifacts recovered are now preserved and displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point, Michigan.

Current Condition & Protection

The wreck of the SS Comet lies within the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, a protected area that serves as an underwater museum. This designation ensures that the site remains preserved for historical and educational purposes.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

  • No active NOTMARs specifically reference the Comet wreck site.
  • Mariners and divers are advised to adhere to guidelines established by the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve to protect the wreck and its surroundings.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The SS Comet serves as a poignant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. From its storied service to its dramatic collision and mysterious silver cargo, the Comet remains a symbol of the risks faced by 19th-century mariners. Today, its legacy is preserved through museum exhibits and the protected wreck site, offering future generations a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Great Lakes navigation.

Keywords

#SSComet #GreatLakesShipwreck #WhitefishPoint #LakeSuperior #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckPreserve #TreasureShip #GreatLakesMystery