Wreck Report: LUCY J. CLARK

Identification & Site Information

•Name: LUCY J. CLARK

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Date Sunk: 1883

•Depth: Not specified

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Dimensions: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The LUCY J. CLARK was a Schooner, a common type of sailing vessel on the Great Lakes, known for its fore-and-aft rigging and multiple masts. These vessels were highly valued for their speed, maneuverability, and suitability for transporting bulk cargoes. At approximately 20 years old at the time of its sinking, the LUCY J. CLARK was valued at $10,500, a reflection of its commercial importance in the region.

History

In 1883, the LUCY J. CLARK embarked on what would be its final voyage. While navigating near Cross Village, Michigan, the Schooner ran aground. The Tug S.S. COE successfully freed the vessel on the 12th of an unspecified month, with plans to tow it to Sturgeon Bay for safety and repairs.

During the tow, the Schooner encountered a severe gale, which caused the tow line to part. The LUCY J. CLARK capsized and sank into Lake Michigan, leading to the tragic loss of three crew members:

•Mate

•Engineer of the steam pump

•Cook

The rest of the crew survived the disaster, but the vessel itself was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the LUCY J. CLARK lies in Lake Michigan, its exact location and depth remaining unspecified. Submarine diver Rosel Downer, dispatched on the Steamer LAWRENCE, confirmed the Schooner’s Total Loss during an investigation following the sinking.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the LUCY J. CLARK.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The precise condition, location, and accessibility of the wreck are unknown, as detailed reports about its present state or depth have not been provided. Further exploration or historical research may shed light on its exact resting place.

Resources & Links

•Historical References: Explore archives related to Great Lakes shipwrecks for additional details about the LUCY J. CLARKand other maritime disasters.

•Maritime History Archives: Documents on 19th-century schooners and their role in Great Lakes commerce.

Tags

•Schooner

•Lake Michigan

•1883 Shipwreck

•Maritime Disaster

•Great Lakes History

Analysis

The sinking of the LUCY J. CLARK highlights the dangers of 19th-century maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, where severe storms and limited technology often resulted in disaster. This incident illustrates the challenges faced by sailors relying on tow vessels, as the parting of a tow line in hazardous conditions left little chance for recovery. The tragic loss of three crew members serves as a stark reminder of the thin margin for error in Great Lakes shipping during this period.

The LUCY J. CLARK remains a poignant story in maritime history, representing both the economic importance of schooners in the region and the ever-present dangers faced by those who worked the waters of Lake Michigan. Its resting place, still undiscovered, remains a mystery waiting to be uncovered by future exploration.