SHIPWRECK REPORT: RICHARD J. CARNEY (R.J. CARNEY)

Type: Wooden Two-Masted Schooner-Barge

Other Names: R.J. CARNEY, CARNEY

Dimensions:

• Length: 150 ft (45.7 m)

• Beam: 30.6 ft (9.3 m)

• Depth: 10.6 ft (3.2 m)

Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 397 tons

• Net Tonnage: 377 tons

Locations of Loss:

1. Lake St. Clair (May 31, 1889)

2. Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, near Shelldrake, Michigan (September 28, 1895)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Richard J. Carney (R.J. Carney)

• Construction:

• Builder: Gibson & Craig, Buffalo, New York (with possible Hull construction in Saginaw, Michigan)

• Year Built: 1873

• Material: Wooden Hull

• Ownership History:

• Pre-1887: Owned by James Davidson, Bay City, Michigan

• 1887: Transferred to John Maxwell, Washburn, Wisconsin

• 1889: Owned by W.V. Penoyan, Port Huron, Michigan

HISTORY

Service Life:

The Richard J. Carney was primarily used in the lumber trade, transporting lumber from Michigan to Chicago, Illinois. It was typically towed by steamers, including the ONEIDA and later the NELLIE TORRENT.

Significant Incidents:

1. Foundering in Lake St. Clair (May 31, 1889):

• The vessel sank due to unspecified circumstances. The incident did not result in loss of life, but the details surrounding the cause of the foundering remain unclear.

2. Wrecking in Whitefish Bay (September 28, 1895):

• While loading lumber at the Shelldrake dock in Michigan, the Carney was caught in a storm.

• Driven ashore near Shelldrake, the vessel was stranded and eventually pounded to pieces.

• The tow Steamer Nellie Torrent was also driven ashore during the same storm, but both crews escaped unharmed.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Whitefish Bay Incident:

• The Carney was declared a Total Loss after being destroyed by wave action.

• The wrecking incident was widely reported in newspapers, including the Port Huron Daily Times and Buffalo Evening News.

• Decommissioning:

• On December 30, 1895, the vessel’s enrollment was surrendered at Port Huron, Michigan, officially marking the end of its service.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Richard J. Carney serves as a testament to the challenges faced by Schooner-barges during the late 19th century. Its involvement in the lumber trade highlights its importance in the Great Lakes’ maritime commerce. The vessel’s wreck at Shelldrake is emblematic of the perilous conditions faced by sailors and the vulnerability of wooden ships during severe storms.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Local historical newspapers, including the Port Huron Daily Times and Buffalo Evening News.

This structured report provides a comprehensive overview of the Richard J. Carney’s service, incidents, and final disposition, preserving its legacy in Great Lakes maritime history.