IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: COMANACHE (also spelled CAMANCHE)

•Official Number: 4932

•Vessel Type: Wooden Two-Masted Schooner

•Build Date: 1867

•Builder: J. Navagh

•Build Location: Oswego, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

•Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters)

•Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

•Tonnage: 322 tons

•Final Resting Place: Near Point Peninsula, New York, Lake Ontario

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The COMANACHE, a two-masted Schooner, was a well-constructed wooden vessel built in Oswego, New York, in 1867. At 137 feet in length and with a Gross Tonnage of 322 tons, it was designed for efficient cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Painted with its name as CAMANCHE, the vessel was a staple of maritime commerce, regularly transporting bulk goods like grain and corn.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Early Service:

The Schooner was actively engaged in transporting cargo between ports in the United States and Canada on Lake Ontario and the other Great Lakes. Its sturdy design and capacity made it a reliable vessel for long-haul routes.

Previous Mishaps:

The COMANACHE had a history of maritime challenges, including:

•1881: Sank in the Welland Canal and was Abandoned. It was later salvaged and returned to service.

•1885: Damaged and stranded near South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, underscoring the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during this era.

FINAL VOYAGE AND WRECK

•Date of Incident: November 27, 1886

•Circumstances:

The COMANACHE was transporting a cargo of corn when it encountered a severe storm near Point Peninsula, New York. The Schooner ran aground on a shoal and quickly sank. Tragically, during a rescue attempt, a local farmer lost his life, though the vessel’s eight crew members were ultimately saved.

Salvage and Rebuilding:

Following its sinking, the COMANACHE was salvaged and Rebuilt as the THOMAS DOBBIE, a common practice during the era to extend a vessel’s service life. This reconstruction allowed the Schooner to continue operating on the Great Lakes, though under a new identity.

LEGACY AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The story of the COMANACHE reflects the resilience of Great Lakes shipping and the resourcefulness of maritime industries in the 19th century. Its multiple sinkings and salvaging efforts highlight the economic and practical value of maintaining operational vessels.

The tragic loss of the farmer during the 1886 wreck is a sobering reminder of the risks faced by both mariners and those living near the Great Lakes who came to their aid.

CURRENT CONDITION & DIVE INFORMATION

•Wreck Condition:

The wreck of the COMANACHE likely lies scattered near the shoal where it Foundered. Given the wooden construction and age, the remains may be partially buried, deteriorated, or heavily fragmented.

•Diving Access:

Little is documented about diving access to the wreck. Enthusiasts should consult local dive operators and historical societies for exploration opportunities.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

2.Great Lakes Ships Database: Records on vessels like the COMANACHE.

3.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Resource for researching Great Lakes shipwrecks.

4.Thousand Islands Life: Articles and historical records about regional shipwrecks.

CONCLUSION

The COMANACHE, later renamed the THOMAS DOBBIE, had a tumultuous career marked by multiple incidents and eventual salvage. Its service and demise highlight the challenges of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century and the resilience of the maritime industry. Today, its wreck site near Point Peninsula serves as a historical marker, offering insights into the life and legacy of schooners on the Great Lakes.

Keywords: COMANACHE, CAMANCHE, THOMAS DOBBIE, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Schooner, Point Peninsula, Lake Ontario, maritime history, 19th-century shipping, shipwreck diving.