Identification & Collision Details

• Vessel Name: Clayton Belle

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Built: 1868 in Clayton, New York

• Cargo at Time of Collision: 522 tons of Pig Iron

• Route: Port St. Ignace, Michigan to Erie, Pennsylvania

• Collision Date: April 10, 1882

• Location: Off Lakeport, Lake Huron

Collision and Sinking

On April 10, 1882, the Clayton Belle collided with another Schooner, the T. Parsons, off Lakeport in Lake Huron. The collision was catastrophic, causing the Clayton Belle to sink almost immediately and resulting in the deaths of four crew members, including the captain. Only two crew members survived. Reports suggest that the collision occurred because the crew of the T. Parsons was reefing sail, obstructing the wheelman’s view and preventing them from spotting the Clayton Belle in time.

Controversy arose after the accident, as survivors from the Clayton Belle claimed that the crew of the T. Parsons failed to launch a lifeboat or search for survivors. Despite their attempts to launch a rescue from the Parsons, the survivors reported little assistance.

Condition and Salvage of the Wreck

After the collision, the Clayton Belle came to rest upright on the lakebed, with its masts initially visible above the water. In 1993, divers rediscovered the wreck, finding the Hull split from stem to Stern. Notably, the port side lay approximately 1,200 feet from the main wreckage, indicating the vessel was likely torn apart intentionally to salvage the valuable Pig Iron cargo.

• Salvage Operations: A company called Quinn Brothers undertook salvage efforts, using buckets and an anchored Barge to retrieve the iron. Over time, divers removed additional components from the wreck, including rigging, iron and brass fittings, sails, and even the rudder.

Current Condition of the Wreck

The wreck of the Clayton Belle lies at a depth of about 40 feet. Although heavily salvaged, portions of the Hull, cargo Deck, Keelson, and other structural components remain visible, preserving its place in Lake Huron’s maritime history.

Historical Significance

The tragedy of the Clayton Belle is remembered as both a reminder of the risks of 19th-century navigation on the Great Lakes and a case that raised questions about shipboard responsibility and conduct following accidents. The vessel’s remains, still lying in Lake Huron, continue to offer a glimpse into the construction and operation of Great Lakes schooners.

Sources for Further Research

1. Chicago Inter Ocean: “Two Schooners Collide with Fatal Effect in the Waters of Huron” (April 13, 1882)

2. Evening News, Detroit: “Down to Death” (April 12, 1882)

3. Port Huron Daily Times: “The Schooner Clayton Belle Goes Down on Lake Huron and Four of The Crew Drowned” (April 12, 1882)

4. Detroit Free Press: “Collision on Lake Huron” (April 13, 1882)

5. Inland Seas (Winter 1996, p. 276)

6. Schooners in Peril by James L. Donahue

This account of the Clayton Belle offers insights into the dangers of Schooner navigation in the Great Lakes and the lasting legacy of these historic vessels.