Identification & Site Information

• Name: ARROW
• Other Names: None reported (possibly none officially assigned)
• Official Number: Unknown
• Date Built and Launched: Unknown
• Builder: Unknown
• Homeport: Likely based at or near 40 Mile Point Lifesaving Station, Michigan
• Vessel Type: Two-masted wooden schooner (fishing and U.S. Lifesaving Service supply boat)
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Power: Sail-powered
• Measurements:
• Length: 32 ft (9.8 m)
• Beam: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Rigging: Centerboard Ketch (foremast longer than mizzenmast)
• Purpose:
• Fishing vessel
• Supply boat for the U.S. Lifesaving Service (USLS)
• Transport between 40 Mile Point Lifesaving Station and Rogers City

Vessel Type

The ARROW was a small, two-masted schooner used primarily for fishing and supply transport. It was employed by the U.S. Lifesaving Service (USLS) to carry supplies and personnel between the 40 Mile Point Lifesaving Station and Rogers City, Michigan.

Its Clinker-built (lapstrake) construction was typical of small workboats, making it sturdy but vulnerable to capsizing in strong winds.

History

The ARROW had an unknown length of service, likely operating for several years as a fishing and supply boat before being lost in a storm in 1880.

Key Events in the Vessel’s History:

• Pre-1880: Used as a supply boat for the U.S. Lifesaving Service, operating from 40 Mile Point Lifesaving Station.
• October 20, 1880: Lost in a squall while sailing from 40 Mile Point to Rogers City.

Final Disposition

The ARROW was lost on October 20, 1880, 1.5 miles off Rogers City, Michigan, after being caught in a sudden squall on Lake Huron.

The Disaster

• The vessel was bound for Rogers City from 40 Mile Point Lifesaving Station.
• A sudden squall overtook the ship, blowing it down and causing it to sink quickly.
• The mainmast remained above water, allowing the crew and passengers to cling to it for hours.
• Casualties:
• USLS District Superintendent J. Sawyer (drowned)
• 40 Mile Point Lifesaving Station Captain G. Feaben (drowned)
• One crew member survived

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There are no confirmed reports of the ARROW‘s wreck being discovered or documented near Rogers City, Michigan.

Due to its small size and shallow sinking location, any remains may be buried or dispersed by storms.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No modern navigational hazards related to this wreck are reported near Rogers City, Lake Huron.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The ARROW is one of the lesser-known tragedies of the Great Lakes, highlighting the dangers faced by small workboats, even those serving the U.S. Lifesaving Service.

The loss of two key USLS personnel shows that even those tasked with saving others were not immune to the lake’s unpredictable storms.