IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Other Names: COMANLY, COWANLY

• Official Number: 4367

• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1847

• Builder: G.S. Weeks Shipyard, Oswego, New York

• Dimensions: Not specified

• Tonnage: 248.17 tons

• Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio

• Service Area: Great Lakes, primarily Lake Erie

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on October 13, 1869, during a storm on Lake Erie

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The COMELY was a wooden Schooner designed for the transport of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. With a tonnage of 248.17 tons, it was moderately sized and capable of navigating both open waters and shallower ports. Schooners like the COMELY were integral to 19th-century commerce, carrying coal, salt, and other commodities that fueled the economic growth of the region.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

The COMELY was launched in 1847 from the G.S. Weeks Shipyard in Oswego, New York. Owned initially by Cooper & Barbour, the Schooner served as a reliable cargo vessel, transporting essential goods like coal and salt to ports throughout the Great Lakes. These materials were vital for heating, industrial use, and food preservation, making the Schooner a crucial component of the region’s trade network.

Modifications and Challenges

Throughout its operational life, the COMELY underwent significant modifications to extend its service life and adapt to evolving demands:

• 1850: The vessel was Rebuilt, likely to enhance its cargo capacity or structural integrity.

• 1863 & 1865: Major repairs were carried out, possibly due to damage from grounding or dismasting incidents.

• Operational Setbacks: The Schooner frequently encountered challenges, including being dismasted and running aground, reflecting the difficulties of navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes.

FINAL VOYAGE & LOSS

On October 13, 1869, the COMELY was carrying a cargo of coal when it was caught in a severe storm on Lake Erie. Despite efforts to save the vessel, including the dispatch of the Tug PEREW, the Schooner was driven ashore. By the following day, the vessel had broken apart completely, rendering it a Total Loss.

• Crew Survival: Despite the destruction, no lives were lost, showcasing the crew’s experience and ability to evacuate safely.

• Cargo Loss: The coal cargo was destroyed, adding to the financial impact of the incident.

At the time of its wreck, the Schooner was owned and captained by Captain Becker of Cleveland, Ohio.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The remains of the COMELY are believed to be scattered along the shoreline where it wrecked. No significant salvage efforts were reported, and the wreck has likely degraded over time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the COMELY. The wreck site is not marked as a navigational hazard and has likely integrated into the natural environment of Lake Erie.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The vessel was driven ashore during the storm on October 13, 1869. The exact coordinates of the wreck site are not detailed in historical records, and no modern surveys have confirmed its location.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck is presumed to be in a highly deteriorated state, with scattered remains buried or submerged near the Lake Erie shoreline. While the site may be accessible to researchers and divers, significant wreckage is unlikely to be present.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records of vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Insights into shipwrecks and 19th-century navigation challenges.

• Cleveland Historical Archives: Information on vessels registered in Cleveland and their operational history.

CONCLUSION

The Schooner COMELY serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by 19th-century sailors on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1847 to its tragic loss in 1869, the vessel epitomized the resilience and adaptability of maritime commerce during this period. Its fate highlights the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes navigation and the ingenuity required to overcome such challenges. Despite its demise, the COMELY remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie.

KEYWORDS

#SchoonerComely #LakeErieShipwreck #19thCenturyMaritimeHistory #GreatLakesTrade #CoalTransport #StormWreck #ClevelandOhio #ShipwreckResilience

For further details or historical research requests, feel free to reach out!