Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Commodore

•Alternate Names: None

•Vessel Type: Schooner-Barge

•Year Built: 1880

•Builder: Thomas Arnold, Carrollton, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 176.5 feet (53.8 meters)

•Beam (Width): 34 feet (10.4 meters)

•Depth: 12.2 feet (3.7 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 586 tons

•Net Tonnage: 565 tons

•Final Disposition: Capsized and Foundered on June 17, 1918, near Southeast Shoal Light Vessel, Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The Commodore was a three-masted Schooner when built, later modified to a two-masted Schooner-Barge during a 1912 Rebuild. Designed for bulk cargo transport, it was towed by steamers across the Great Lakes. Schooner-barges like the Commodore were indispensable for transporting coal, timber, and other industrial materials that powered the economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

Construction and Early Years:

Built in 1880 in Carrollton, Michigan, the Commodore was owned by E.F. Gould of East Saginaw, Michigan. Initially a three-masted Schooner, it quickly became a critical asset for transporting bulk materials across the Great Lakes.

Operational Challenges and Modifications:

•1887: Ownership transferred to A.A. Pinet, retaining its original configuration.

•1888: Frank Louden of Bay City acquired the vessel. It began operating under the tow of the Steamer P.H. Birckhead.

•1900 Incident: During a Lake Superior storm, the Commodore lost its sails, rudder, and Deck cargo, illustrating the harsh conditions of Great Lakes shipping.

•1912 Rebuild: The vessel underwent a significant Rebuild at the E.I. Rose Shipyard in North Tonawanda, New York. A mast was removed, and the Schooner transitioned into a two-masted Schooner-Barge configuration.

Final Years:

By 1918, the Commodore was being towed by the Steamer Jay Gould. Despite being an aging vessel, it continued to carry substantial loads, including coal, its final cargo.

Final Voyage and Loss

On June 17, 1918, the Commodore encountered a severe storm while being towed on Lake Erie near the Southeast Shoal Light Vessel.

•Weather Conditions: High winds and heavy waves overwhelmed the Schooner-Barge, leading it to capsize.

•Cargo: The vessel was carrying coal at the time of its loss.

•Crew: The seven-member crew was rescued by the steel Steamer Mataafa, avoiding loss of life.

•Outcome: The vessel and its cargo were declared a Total Loss, marking the end of its 38 years of service on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Commodore rests on the bottom of Lake Erie near the Southeast Shoal Light Vessel. The exact location and condition of the wreck have not been documented or surveyed in modern times.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•No active Notices to Mariners are associated with this wreck.

•Mariners should remain cautious near Southeast Shoal, a historically hazardous area due to numerous shipwrecks and shallow shoals.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The Commodore is presumed to be heavily deteriorated due to its wooden construction and prolonged submersion in Lake Erie’s waters.

•Accessibility: The wreck may be accessible to advanced divers if located, but strong currents and low Visibility in Lake Erie pose challenges.

Legacy

The story of the Commodore highlights the challenges faced by Great Lakes shipping during an era of rapid industrialization. Despite its rebuilds and years of faithful service, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the harsh conditions of Lake Erie. Its loss underscores the perils of maritime trade in a time when weather prediction and vessel safety measures were rudimentary compared to modern standards.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation: Information on Lake Erie wrecks.

•Historical Archives from Bay City, Michigan

Keywords

#Commodore #SchoonerBarge #LakeErie #GreatLakesShipwrecks #CoalTransport #19thCenturyShipping #EIRoseShipyard #MaritimeHistory

This report provides an account of the Commodore’s service life, its final voyage, and the historical significance of its loss. Its legacy continues to enrich the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.