Charles Hebard (1902, Wooden Steamer)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Charles Hebard
• Type: Wooden Steamer
• Crew Size: 14
• Date of Loss: December 1902
• Location: Point Mamainse, just north of Pancake Bay, Lake Superior.

Incident Details

Cause of Loss: The Charles Hebard Foundered on the rocks at Point Mamainse during a severe storm in December 1902. The Steamer was towing three schooners when it was caught in heavy seas and driven onto the rocky shoreline.

Condition: The ship was “dashed to pieces” by relentless waves, leaving the vessel destroyed.

Towed Schooners:

Two of the three schooners being towed managed to seek refuge in Pancake Bay, narrowly avoiding disaster.The third Schooner’s fate is not recorded in this account.

Survival of the Crew

Evacuation to Shore: The 14 crew members, including Jennie Barnes, the ship’s cook, managed to survive the ordeal. The first crew member to reach shore showed great ingenuity by rigging up a “boatswain’s chair” (a rope-based rescue device) to Ferry the others safely to land.  Outcome: All crew members made it ashore safely, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and resourcefulness amidst the storm.

Historical Context

Lake Superior Storms: December storms on Lake Superior are infamous for their ferocity, often striking with little warning and wreaking havoc on vessels. The Point Mamainse area, near Pancake Bay, was known for its treacherous rocks and lack of safe harbours, making it especially dangerous during storms.

Towing Operations:

The Charles Hebard was towing schooners, a common practice during this period, as steamers were used to haul wind-powered vessels that lacked the ability to navigate the lakes efficiently on their own.Such operations were inherently risky, particularly in rough weather.

Significance of Pancake Bay:

Pancake Bay, located along the northeastern shore of Lake Superior, was a natural refuge for ships attempting to escape storms.  Its sheltered waters were critical for vessels in distress, though reaching it in high winds and rough seas was a formidable challenge.

Legacy of the Charles Hebard

The story of the Charles Hebard is remembered as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Great Lakes sailors, who often faced life-and-death situations during storms. The survival of the crew highlights the camaraderie and quick thinking that characterized sailors of the era.

Further Research Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca  Contains detailed records of shipwrecks and storms on Lake Superior.
• Pancake Bay Provincial Park Interpretive Displays Nearby Pancake Bay offers historical information on maritime disasters in the area, including the wrecks near Point Mamainse.
• Archives of Ontario May contain historical newspaper articles or reports on the Charles Hebard’s wreck and the crew’s survival story.
• Local Histories: Look into maritime histories focused on Point Mamainse and Pancake Bay, which are rich with stories of shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Charles Hebard’s wreck at Point Mamainse in December 1902 reflects the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during the age of wooden steamers and schooners. The resourcefulness of the crew, particularly their use of the boatswain’s chair, turned what could have been a devastating tragedy into a remarkable survival story. This episode is a vivid reminder of the risks sailors faced and the ingenuity required to overcome the challenges of the Great Lakes.