Shipwreck Report: Stephen C. Clark (Formerly Nipigon)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Stephen C. Clark (formerly Nipigon)

• Type: Steamer, Freighter

• Dimensions:

• Length: 140 feet

• Beam (Width): 26 feet

• Depth: 10 feet

• Construction Material: Wood

• Built: 1874, Montreal, Canada, by A. Cantin

• Rebuilt: 1886-7, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Home Port: Chicago, Illinois, USA (post-Rebuild)

• Ownership: Transferred to the U.S. following a fire in 1886

• Final Status: Declared a total wreck in 1912

Vessel Type Description

The Stephen C. Clark, originally named Nipigon, was a wooden Steamer freighter designed to carry bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Its structure was characteristic of mid-19th century cargo vessels, equipped with a robust Hull and powered by a steam engine, making it suitable for transporting lumber and other freight. After its Rebuild, the ship remained an important player in Great Lakes commerce until its demise.

History

The vessel’s life began in 1874 as the Nipigon, serving Canadian waterways. Following a fire in Clayton, NY, in 1886, it was sold to U.S. interests, renamed Stephen C. Clark, and Rebuilt in Chicago. It then operated out of Chicago, hauling cargo across the Great Lakes.

Notable Incidents

Fire Off Port Sanilac (June 20, 1893)

While carrying lumber, the Stephen C. Clark caught fire near Port Sanilac, Michigan. The crew Abandoned the burning vessel and was rescued by the propeller Kalkaska. The Tug Desmond braved the flames to extinguish the fire, saving the vessel from complete destruction. Despite these efforts, the ship sustained severe damage.

Sinking at Ludington (August 1891)

The ship sank unexpectedly near Ludington, Michigan. This led to a protracted dispute with the insurance company over liability for salvaging the vessel. While the ship was refloated, this incident underscored the operational challenges and financial risks inherent in Great Lakes shipping.

Abandonment and Final Demise (1912)

After its fiery ordeal, the vessel was towed to Marine City with plans for repair. However, its Hull remained neglected, and the ship was ultimately Abandoned. In 1912, its documents were surrendered at Port Huron, officially marking it as a total wreck.

Final Disposition

The Stephen C. Clark was stripped of any salvageable materials and left to deteriorate. The exact location of its final resting place is uncertain, as the vessel was dismantled and removed over time. Its story remains as a testament to the perils and challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Stephen C. Clark. The vessel no longer poses a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreck was not formally documented or located after its removal in 1912. The lack of significant remnants has limited further exploration or archaeological study.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given that the vessel was dismantled and Abandoned, no accessible wreck site remains. The Stephen C. Clark exists solely in historical records and the legacy of its challenging service on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Records of Great Lakes vessels and incidents

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival information about shipwrecks like the Stephen C. Clark

• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into Great Lakes maritime heritage

Conclusion

The Stephen C. Clark embodies the resilience and vulnerability of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its fiery encounter near Port Sanilac and its ultimate abandonment reflect the challenges faced by wooden steamers during this era. Though its physical form has vanished, its story endures as part of the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#StephenCClark #GreatLakesShipwreck #PortSanilacFire #WoodenSteamer #LakeHuronHistory #GreatLakesMaritimeHeritage