Wreck Report: Schooner ELMA

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: ELMA

• Type: Schooner

• U.S. Registration Number: 8895

• Year Built: 1873

• Builder: Marine City, Michigan

• Home Port: Buffalo, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 165.2 feet (50.3 meters)

• Beam: 30.0 feet (9.1 meters)

• Depth: 11.0 feet (3.4 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 400.68 tons

• Net Tonnage: 380.65 tons

Vessel Type Description

The ELMA was a three-masted Schooner, a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry in the late 19th century. Built in Marine City, Michigan, the ELMA was primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as timber, coal, and grain across the lakes. Its size and design reflected the robust construction standards of the era, suitable for withstanding the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

1. Operational Years:

• From her launch in 1873, the ELMA was a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, known for her reliability in transporting cargoes between ports. Operating out of Buffalo, New York, she frequently navigated the often-dangerous waters of Lake Superior and beyond.

2. The Final Voyage:

• On October 1, 1895, the ELMA encountered a severe storm while navigating Munising Bay on Lake Superior.

• Battling high winds and rough seas, the Schooner Foundered under the strain. The crew of eight Abandoned the vessel as conditions worsened.

3. Crew’s Ordeal:

• The crew managed to make it to a ledge on the Pictured Rocks, a dramatic and remote cliffside area of Munising Bay.

• Tragically, one crew member was swept away by the storm’s waves before abandoning the vessel.

• The remaining crew endured the harsh weather until they were rescued by lighthouse keepers, a testament to their resilience and the dedication of those stationed at the light.

Final Disposition

The ELMA was lost in Munising Bay, her Hull likely succumbing to the relentless storm. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented, though it is believed to rest on or near the lakebed close to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Salvage operations were not conducted, and the Schooner was declared a Total Loss.

Significance

The loss of the ELMA highlights the perils of sailing the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, particularly during the unpredictable fall storm season. It also serves as a reminder of the heroic efforts of lighthouse keepers in ensuring the safety of mariners.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreckage of the ELMA is presumed to be in poor condition due to the force of the storm and the passage of time.

• Accessibility: While Munising Bay is a popular diving location, the wreck’s exact site has not been confirmed or documented, leaving its exploration as a potential opportunity for maritime archaeologists and advanced divers.

Resources & References

• Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1895

• Historical accounts of Pictured Rocks shipwrecks

• Great Lakes Maritime Museum archives

Tags

• ELMA

• Munising Bay Wrecks

• Lake Superior Shipwrecks

• 19th-Century Schooner

• Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The sinking of the ELMA in 1895 exemplifies the harsh realities of life on the Great Lakes for Schooner crews. While most of her crew survived, the loss of one sailor and the vessel itself underscore the dangers of navigating these inland seas. The wreck of the ELMA, if located, would provide valuable insights into the construction and operation of late 19th-century schooners, as well as a somber reminder of the region’s perilous maritime heritage.