Identification & Site Information – Alva Bradley

• Vessel Name: Alva Bradley

• Type: Schooner-Barge

• Year Built: 1870

• Builder: Cleveland, Ohio

• Owner: Bradley of Cleveland

• Dimensions:

• Length: 189.5 feet (57.8 meters)

• Beam (Width): 32.0 feet (9.8 meters)

• Depth: 13.9 feet (4.2 meters)

• Tonnage: Gross Tonnage of 649.18 tons; Net Tonnage of 616.72 tons

• Final Disposition: Ran aground at Shot Point, approximately 10 miles (16.1 kilometers) from Marquette, Lake Superior

• Location: Shot Point, near Marquette, Michigan, Lake Superior

• Value: Estimated at $25,000 at the time of the wreck

Vessel Type Description

The Alva Bradley was a Schooner-Barge, a type of vessel designed to transport bulk cargo, often under tow by larger steam-powered ships. Schooner-barges like the Alva Bradley were frequently used on the Great Lakes to haul coal, grain, and similar heavy cargo, supporting the region’s industrial and agricultural supply chains. With a large cargo capacity, this vessel type was integral to the trade networks on the Great Lakes.

The wreck of the Alva Bradley occurred in November 1893 during a severe winter storm on Lake Superior. The vessel ran aground at Shot Point, approximately 10 miles from Marquette, Michigan, amid strong winds and blinding snow.

Initially, a Tug was dispatched to rescue the crew, but it could not reach the vessel due to rough water. The Portage Canal life-saving crew was then summoned to Marquette, arriving around 10 p.m. Monday night. Braving cold temperatures, the life-saving crew launched their lifeboat and reached the Alva Bradley by 10 a.m. Tuesday, rescuing all onboard.

Salvage and Recovery Attempts

After the rescue, salvage operations commenced to lighten the ship by offloading coal. A diver was dispatched to plug a large breach in the Hull, and pumps were used to control the water inside the vessel. Although the Hull sustained damage, the condition of the ship’s bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg was fair enough to continue salvage efforts.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Alva Bradley represents the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners, particularly during winter months when severe weather could lead to dangerous situations. The bravery of the Portage Canal life-saving crew illustrates the dedication of these rescue teams, whose quick actions ensured the safety of the crew. The vessel’s substantial size and value underscore its importance within the coal transport industry, emphasizing the vital role of Schooner-barges in supporting Great Lakes commerce.

Resources & Links

For further reading on the Alva Bradley and related maritime history:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records on shipwrecks, rescues, and historical accounts of vessels like the Alva Bradley.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Repository of specifications, records, and historical details on Great Lakes vessels.

• U.S. Coast Guard Historical Archives: Information on the life-saving crews and rescue operations that served the Great Lakes