Identification & Site Information
• Name, Former Names: A.W. Comstock.
• Dimensions:
• Length: 200 feet (61 m).
• Beam: 36 feet (11 m).
• Depth: 12.6 feet (3.8 m).
• Tonnage:
• Gross: 805.90 tons.
• Net: 777.85 tons.
• Construction: Built in 1895 by Abram Smith & Sons, Algonac, Michigan.
• Final Voyage and Sinking:
• Date: September 23, 1895.
• Location: Off Stannard Rock, Lake Superior.
• Depth: Undocumented.
• Final Disposition: Foundered during a gale, Total Loss.
• Casualties: None; all eight crew members were rescued, although Captain W. McArthur sustained significant injuries.
Vessel Type
Constructed as a Schooner-Barge, the A.W. Comstock was a sturdy vessel intended for cargo transport. Its dimensions and tonnage marked it as a substantial addition to the Great Lakes fleet, suitable for hauling large loads.
Description
Launched in 1895, the A.W. Comstock was a new entry into the maritime trade on the Great Lakes, specifically designed for efficiency and capacity. The Schooner-Barge’s primary function was to carry bulk cargoes, such as the wheat it transported during its ill-fated final voyage.
History
The A.W. Comstock had a short service life of just three months. Its construction reflected the advancements in maritime engineering of the late 19th century, and it quickly entered service as part of a tow, alongside the Steamer Viking and the Schooner W.K. Moore.
On its final voyage, the vessel carried 51,500 bushels of wheat, a testament to its cargo capacity. However, the storm it faced on September 23, 1895, revealed the inherent risks of navigating Lake Superior’s vast and unpredictable waters.
Final Voyage and Loss
Caught in a fierce gale with winds estimated at 70 mph, the A.W. Comstock broke free from the Viking’s Towline and became adrift. The crew Abandoned the vessel as it succumbed to the storm’s power, finding refuge in lifeboats. They endured hours of tumultuous waves before being rescued by the Steamer John J. McWilliams.
Despite the crew’s survival, the A.W. Comstock was lost to the depths of Lake Superior near Stannard Rock, along with its valuable cargo of wheat. The vessel’s destruction represented a financial loss estimated at $45,000.
Legacy
The A.W. Comstock serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Its brief operational history and dramatic demise highlight the challenges of early cargo transportation and the relentless power of nature. The crew’s survival reflects the resilience and bravery of those who navigated these inland seas.
Resources & Links
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion
The story of the A.W. Comstock epitomizes the trials of early maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Though lost to the depths, its legacy endures as a testament to the courage of its crew and the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior. The vessel’s tale enriches the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, serving as a somber chapter in the annals of navigation and trade.
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