Wreck Report: Schooner DOLPHIN

Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: DOLPHIN
• •Vessel Type: Schooner
• •Tonnage: 139 tons
• •Home Port: East Saginaw, Michigan
• •Owner: Jenessen
• •Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber
• •Final Location: Lake Huron, near Goderich
• •Date of Loss: October 24, 1887
• •Final Disposition: Foundered during a severe storm; Total Loss
• •Crew: All lives lost

Vessel Type Description

The DOLPHIN was a wooden Schooner designed for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes, particularly suited for carrying bulk materials such as lumber. With a capacity of 139 tons, the vessel was a vital component of the lumber trade, connecting industries and markets across the Great Lakes region.

History

The DOLPHIN was a well-known vessel in the Great Lakes lumber trade, operating out of East Saginaw, Michigan, and owned by Jenessen. On October 24, 1887, a violent storm swept through Lake Huron, claiming multiple vessels, including the schooners DOLPHIN and NORRIS. The DOLPHIN’s cargo of lumber and all crew members were lost to the storm.

Eyewitness accounts from the rescued crew of the NORRIS provided insight into the disaster. The DOLPHIN reportedly broke away from its tow line during the gale and subsequently capsized and sank. Efforts to locate survivors were futile, as the entire crew perished. The NORRIS, though heavily damaged, was saved thanks to the heroic intervention of the Schooner BRECK, which rescued its crew just in time.

In the aftermath of the storm, wreckage from multiple vessels washed ashore near Goderich, Ontario, including remnants of the DOLPHIN. Tragically, the body of a young woman, possibly from another vessel lost earlier that month, was also found on the shore.

Final Disposition

The DOLPHIN sank in Lake Huron during the storm of October 1887, resulting in the complete loss of the vessel and its crew. The wreckage of the DOLPHIN, believed to have drifted ashore near Goderich, was identified amidst debris from other ships.

Human Impact

The loss of the DOLPHIN had a devastating impact on the community. The families of the crew faced financial hardships alongside their grief. In response, efforts were made to support the widow of Captain Gerrett Johnson, with community members raising funds through a subscription to assist her during this difficult time.

Legacy

The sinking of the DOLPHIN remains a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The storm of October 24, 1887, highlighted the vulnerability of maritime trade to sudden and severe weather conditions. The tragedy also underscored the courage and resilience of Great Lakes communities in the face of loss.

Resources & Links

• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• •David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
• 3D Shipwrecks – Dolphin

3D Model – Dolphin

Conclusion

The Schooner DOLPHIN serves as a testament to the bravery of sailors and the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes. While the vessel and its crew were lost, their story lives on as a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who risked their lives in the pursuit of trade and livelihood across these treacherous waters.

Keywords

•Schooner DOLPHIN

•Lake Huron shipwreck

•Great Lakes storm 1887

•Lumber trade vessel

•Maritime tragedy