Vessel Identification

• Name: v

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Date of Incident: July 19, 1879

• Location: Mouth of Hurricane River, approximately 9 miles west of Grand Marais, Lake Superior

• Condition: Ran aground on a reef in foggy conditions; vessel was Abandoned

Incident Summary

On July 19, 1879, the Schooner ANNIE COLEMAN ran aground on a reef near the mouth of the Hurricane River in Lake Superior. The accident occurred under foggy conditions, which limited Visibility and likely contributed to the ship’s grounding. After the vessel became stranded, the crew Abandoned the ship. Although details of the vessel’s dimensions, build year, and tonnage are not recorded, the ANNIE COLEMAN is documented as a wooden Schooner.

One report suggests that the crew may have walked approximately 70 miles to reach Marquette for assistance, a considerable distance given the conditions. However, this claim remains uncertain, as it would have been an arduous journey on foot.

Historical Context and Maritime Challenges

The Great Lakes were notorious for challenging navigation conditions, particularly for schooners and wooden vessels of the 19th century. The grounding of the ANNIE COLEMAN serves as an example of the difficulties faced by ships navigating in poor Visibility conditions such as fog. Vessels of the time relied heavily on visual navigation aids, and fog presented a significant hazard, especially near shorelines with reefs and underwater ledges.

Absence from Official Records

Interestingly, the ANNIE COLEMAN does not appear in the Merchant Vessel List of the United States (MVUS) records between 1869 and 1878. This absence suggests that the vessel may have been either under-documented or a lesser-known vessel, making it more difficult for historians to gather detailed information about its specifications and service history. It’s possible that the vessel was registered under a different name at some point or was considered a private or unregistered vessel, which could explain the lack of official documentation.

Crew Response and Abandonment

After the vessel ran aground, the crew Abandoned the Schooner. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the crew successfully reached safety, reportedly walking a significant distance to find assistance. This response was not unusual for grounded vessels, as crew members would often seek the nearest point of help rather than staying with the ship, which was considered unsafe.

The crew’s journey to Marquette, if accurate, highlights the resilience required of sailors operating on the Great Lakes, who often had to endure long distances on foot through difficult terrain after maritime accidents.

Significance of the Incident

The grounding of the ANNIE COLEMAN exemplifies the risks associated with 19th-century Great Lakes navigation, particularly for wooden schooners which, despite their durability, were vulnerable to grounding and structural damage from underwater hazards. This incident highlights the limited technology of the time and the reliance on visual navigation, which left vessels highly susceptible to accidents in fog and adverse weather.

Conclusion

The story of the ANNIE COLEMAN is a reminder of the difficulties faced by Great Lakes mariners navigating with limited Visibility and rudimentary navigational tools. The lack of detailed records for the vessel adds to the mystery of its service history, while the grounding near Hurricane River underscores the importance of Visibility and the perils of sailing on Lake Superior. The crew’s safe escape and potential trek to Marquette reflect the determination and resilience required to survive maritime mishaps on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.