.Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Comrade

•Type: Schooner-Barge

•Built: 1883 by R. Mills & Co., Buffalo, NY

•Dimensions:

•Length: 199 feet (60.7 meters)

•Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters)

•Depth: 14 feet (4.3 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 910 tons

•Net: 880 tons

•Last Port of Registry: Not specified

•Final Voyage Date: September 13, 1890

•Final Disposition: Foundered in Lake Superior between Keweenaw and Isle Royale, resulting in the loss of all eight crew members.

Vessel Type Description

The Comrade was a Schooner-Barge constructed to be towed by steamers, a common design for bulk transport vessels on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Although it was built with infrastructure to support a steam engine, the vessel remained dependent on towing throughout its service life. Schooner-barges were essential to the Great Lakes shipping industry, carrying bulk cargo like iron ore, coal, and timber. The Comrade’s large capacity and robust design reflected its importance in regional maritime trade.

History

•Construction & Early Service:

Launched in 1883 in Buffalo, NY, the Comrade quickly became an integral part of the bustling Great Lakes trade. Towed by steamers, it regularly transported substantial cargoes of bulk materials like iron ore, essential to the industrial economy of the region.

•Final Voyage:

On September 13, 1890, the Comrade embarked on its final journey, transporting 1,650 tons of iron ore from Ashland, Wisconsin, to Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel was under tow by the steambarge Columbia when a fierce storm swept across Lake Superior.

The storm, with high winds and turbulent seas, severed the Towline, leaving the Comrade adrift and exposed to the full force of the gale. The crew’s efforts to anchor the vessel and deploy a drag from the Yawl proved futile against the relentless conditions. The Comradecapsized and Foundered between Keweenaw and Isle Royale, sinking rapidly and taking all eight crew members, including Captain Peterson, to a watery grave.

•Crew & Casualties:

The loss of all eight crew members underscores the tragic human toll of the incident. Despite their efforts to save the vessel, the crew was unable to overcome the storm’s fury.

Final Disposition

The Comrade was declared lost on September 13, 1890. Its wreckage, though undiscovered, likely lies scattered on the lakebed between Keweenaw and Isle Royale. The vessel’s loss highlights the extreme dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during periods of volatile weather, especially for vessels designed to rely on towing.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•Active Notices: None currently issued for the wreck site of the Comrade.

•Advisories: Mariners operating in the area between Keweenaw and Isle Royale should remain vigilant for submerged hazards and unpredictable weather conditions.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Comrade has not been conclusively located. Its final resting place is presumed to be in the vicinity of its sinking, but no formal surveys have confirmed its position.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Comrade’s wreck remains undiscovered, and its condition is unknown. Given the violent nature of its sinking, the wreckage is likely fragmented and scattered across the lakebed. The site, if located, would require advanced diving equipment and expertise due to the remote location and potential depth.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The tragic loss of the Schooner-Barge Comrade in the stormy waters of Lake Superior exemplifies the perilous nature of maritime trade during the late 19th century. Its role in transporting vital cargo underscores the importance of Schooner-barges to the Great Lakes’ economy. The untimely demise of the Comrade and its crew serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifices of mariners who navigated these vast and unforgiving waters.

Keywords

#Comrade #SchoonerBarge #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipping #GreatLakesShipwrecks #IronOreTransport #ShipwreckTragedy