Shipwreck Report: Schooner CONDOR

Identification & Site Information

•Name: CONDOR

•Type: Schooner

•Status During Incident: Overdue at Milwaukee, raising concerns for its safety

•Incident Date: September 30, 1895

•Location: Unknown; presumed somewhere on Lake Michigan during the storm

Vessel Type Description

The CONDOR was a Schooner, a type of vessel widely used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Known for their speed and agility, schooners were essential for moving goods across the lakes, particularly during the shipping boom of the mid-to-late 1800s. However, these vessels were also vulnerable to the severe storms that frequently swept through the region.

History

The CONDOR’s specific details and cargo for its final voyage are not documented, but it was likely engaged in transporting commodities such as grain, lumber, or coal, typical of schooners of the era.

During the storm of September 30, 1895, the CONDOR failed to arrive at its intended destination of Milwaukee, prompting grave fearsfor the vessel and its crew. Overdue ships were common in stormy weather, often leading to days of anxiety for shipowners, crew families, and the maritime community.

The storm, described as one of the most violent and destructive in recent years, caused extensive damage across the Upper Lakes. The CONDOR’s fate remains unknown, but its status as overdue suggests it may have:

•Suffered a mishap during the storm, such as capsizing or stranding.

•Drifted off course, potentially requiring rescue or salvage.

Final Disposition

•Status: Unknown; no confirmation of the CONDOR’s safe arrival or recovery has been recorded.

•The vessel may have been lost in the storm, though no definitive wreck site has been identified.

Legacy

The uncertainty surrounding the CONDOR highlights the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Severe storms, combined with limited communication and navigational tools, often left shipowners and families in prolonged uncertainty about the fate of overdue vessels. The CONDOR’s story is emblematic of the perils faced by schooners and their crews, contributing to the rich but tragic Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes

maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

2.David Swayze Shipwreck Database

shipwrecks.com

3.NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

thunderbay.noaa.gov

Conclusion

The CONDOR, like many vessels of its time, was likely a victim of the treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes during severe storms. While its ultimate fate remains a mystery, its story serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by sailors and the fragility of maritime operations during this era.

Keywords

#SchoonerCondor #LakeMichiganStorms #1895GreatLakesStorm #MaritimeMysteries #GreatLakesHistory