CLEMATIS (Formerly MARIA LOVE)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Clematis (formerly Maria Love)

• Vessel Type: Tug (converted to Schooner-Barge)

• Built: 1863 by I. Lafrinier, Cleveland, Ohio

• Official Number: 5396

• Tonnage: 179 tons

• Final Incident: May 21, 1883

• Location of Loss: Lake Huron, near the head of the St. Clair River

• Condition: Broken into two parts during a storm, with the Stern washing ashore.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Clematis, originally a steam-powered Tug named Maria Love, was built to tow vessels and assist in harbour manoeuvres. In 1881, the Tug was converted into a Schooner-Barge to transport lumber, a common trade item on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These Schooner-barges were towed by steamers, maximizing cargo transport efficiency.

HISTORY

The vessel began its life as Maria Love, built in Cleveland in 1863 by the noted shipbuilder I. Lafrinier. It initially served as a Tug, playing a role in Great Lakes commerce and navigation. In 1864, it was renamed Clematis and continued its work under new ownership.

During its career, the Clematis experienced significant transformations. It was purchased by the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, likely serving as a support vessel. After the war, it returned to civilian use as a Tug. By 1881, it had been decommissioned as a Tug and converted into a Barge under the ownership of Charles Chamberlain of Detroit.

FINAL VOYAGE

On May 21, 1883, the Clematis, loaded with lumber, was caught in a fierce storm on Lake Huron. The storm’s strength was overwhelming, and the vessel could not withstand the tumultuous waves. The Schooner-Barge was torn in two, marking its catastrophic end.

• Crew’s Fate: Fortunately, the crew escaped using the Yawl boat, rowing to shore and surviving the ordeal.

• Wreckage: The vessel’s Stern washed ashore near the head of the St. Clair River, a stark reminder of the event. Salvage efforts were rendered impossible due to the vessel’s rapid disintegration.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Clematis was completely destroyed during the storm. Its remnants, scattered across the area, were left unrecovered, and the wreck was declared a Total Loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the Clematis, as much of the wreckage was washed ashore or lost to the elements shortly after the incident.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed accounts of the vessel’s history and wreck.

• Great Lakes Maritime History Archives: Insights into the transformation of the Clematis over its operational years.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Broader context of Schooner-barges and their role in 19th-century commerce.

CONCLUSION

The story of the Clematis illustrates the adaptability and risks faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. From its origins as a Civil War-era Tug to its final years as a lumber-carrying Barge, the vessel’s history reflects the evolving demands of Great Lakes shipping. Its destruction in the storm of 1883 stands as a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature that could quickly end even the most versatile vessel’s career. The survival of the crew adds a note of resilience to an otherwise tragic tale.

TAGS

#Clematis #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeHuron #SchoonerBarge #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckResilience #StClairRiver