SWAN (1901)

Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 117056
• Type at Loss: Schooner, Wood
• Build Info: 1901, St. Joseph, Michigan
• Specs: 54 x 15 x 4 ft (16.46 x 4.57 x 1.22 m), 23 Gross Tonnage, 23 Net Tonnage
• Date of Loss: September 5, 1904
• Place of Loss: Scott’s Point, near the northern end of Lake Michigan
• Lake: Michigan
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None of 4
• Carrying: Fruit

Vessel Type

The SWAN was a wooden Schooner, a two-masted vessel, used for cargo transport, primarily carrying fruit in this instance. Built in 1901 in St. Joseph, Michigan, the vessel was 54 feet long, with a 15-foot beam and a 4-foot depth. Schooners like the SWAN were common in the Great Lakes, and they were well-suited for carrying Lighter cargo over long distances, such as fruit, lumber, and other goods.

Description & History

The SWAN was owned and operated by Capt. George H. Guenther, who was based out of Benton Harbor, Michigan. On September 5, 1904, the vessel sought shelter from an incoming storm near Scott’s Point, located at the northern end of Lake Michigan.

As the storm intensified, Capt. Guenther went ashore to seek assistance, leaving behind his wife, daughter, and the boat’s one regular sailor to manage the Schooner. Despite their best efforts, the storm worsened, and they struggled to keep the SWAN afloat. The situation became dire, but the crew members managed to survive until the next day when fishermenfound and rescued them. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and all four on board survived the harrowing ordeal.

The SWAN was carrying fruit at the time of the storm, likely bound for a port on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. The vessel’s crew were experienced, and despite the challenging circumstances, they were able to survive the storm and its aftermath.

Final Dispositions

After the storm, the SWAN was likely salvaged or Abandoned depending on the extent of the damage it sustained. The records do not indicate whether the vessel was eventually repaired, but given the small size of the vessel and the location of the wreck, it may have been Abandoned or left to deteriorate over time. The ship’s fate after this incident remains unclear.

Located By & Date Found

The SWAN did not sink but suffered damage from the storm. The crew was rescued by fishermen, but there is no record of the exact fate of the vessel after the storm. It is likely that the SWAN was either Abandoned or scrapped after this incident.

Notices & Advisories

Wreck Location: Scott’s Point, northern Lake Michigan

Hazard: None specifically reported for the location after the wreck.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Maritime Database
• Maritime History: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The SWAN, a wooden Schooner built in 1901, met its unfortunate end after a severe storm on September 5, 1904 near Scott’s Point in Lake Michigan. Despite seeking shelter, the vessel was caught in the storm, and her crew struggled to keep her afloat. After a day of fighting the elements, the crew was rescued by local fishermen, and fortunately, no lives were lost. However, the SWAN’s ultimate fate is unclear, with no further reports on her recovery or salvage. The vessel remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during stormy seasons.