Shipwreck Report: Schooner LIZZIE A. LAW
Identification & Site Information
•Name: LIZZIE A. LAW
•Type: Wooden Schooner
•Gross Tonnage: 747.48 tons
•Net Tonnage: 710.13 tons
•Year Built: 1875
•Builder: Huron, Michigan
•Incident Date: July 19, 1893
•Location: Approximately 2 miles west of Point au Pelee, Lake Erie
•Depth: Sunk in about 42 feet (12.8 meters) of water
Vessel Type Description
The LIZZIE A. LAW was a three-masted wooden Schooner designed for transporting bulk commodities, such as wheat, across the Great Lakes. With a Gross Tonnage of nearly 750 tons, it was among the larger schooners of its time, capable of carrying significant cargo. Built in Huron, Michigan, in 1875, it served as a vital component of Great Lakes commerce, linking key port cities like Chicago.
History of the Incident
On the night of July 19, 1893, the LIZZIE A. LAW, carrying 50,000 bushels of wheat, was under tow by the Steamer EGYPTIAN and heading downbound through Lake Erie. At the same time, the Schooner DAVID VANCE, loaded with coal from Erie and bound upbound, crossed paths with the LIZZIE A. LAW.
A collision occurred approximately 2 miles west of Point au Pelee, resulting in both vessels sinking. The DAVID VANCE sank in 42 feet of water, while the LIZZIE A. LAW went down nearby. Although no lives were lost and all crew members were rescued, the collision was a catastrophic loss for both vessels.
Efforts to save the LIZZIE A. LAW included running the vessel ashore at Pigeon Bay. However, it was determined to be a Total Loss due to severe flooding and structural damage.
Salvage Attempts
•A contract to raise the wreck was awarded to Augustus Hemmerger of Algonac, but efforts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful.
•The Orient Insurance Co. paid the Schooner’s owner, J.J. Ward, the insured amount of $5,000.
•The wreckage was later removed to shallower water, and the remaining cargo of wheat was salvaged.
DAVID VANCE
The DAVID VANCE, the other vessel involved in the collision, was:
•Net Tonnage: 736 tons
•Built: 1874 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
•Owner: Capt. McKenzie and associates
•Valuation: Approximately $24,000
The DAVID VANCE’s wreck in Pelee Passage posed a hazard to navigation and underscored the need for better traffic control in busy lake routes.
Final Disposition
The LIZZIE A. LAW was declared a Total Loss, and her remains, along with the DAVID VANCE, became part of the submerged history of Lake Erie. Wreckage from the collision, including portions of the cargo, was recovered, but both schooners’ structures were left to deteriorate underwater.
Legacy
The collision between the LIZZIE A. LAW and DAVID VANCE is a stark reminder of the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Poor Visibility, dense traffic, and limited communication often led to such disasters. Despite its tragic end, the LIZZIE A. LAW contributed to the historical record of maritime commerce and accidents on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & Advisories
•The wreck of the DAVID VANCE in Pelee Passage was deemed an obstruction to navigation and likely marked on charts of the time.
•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with these wrecks.
Resources & Links
1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes
maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
2.David Swayze Shipwreck Database
3.Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
Conclusion
The LIZZIE A. LAW and DAVID VANCE represent a significant episode in the maritime history of Lake Erie. The collision highlights the dangers of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century, the resilience of the sailors, and the ongoing need for improved safety measures during an era of booming maritime commerce. The story of these schooners endures as a part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes history.
Keywords
#LizzieALaw #DavidVance #LakeErieShipwreck #19thCenturyMaritimeHistory #GreatLakesCollisions #SchoonerShipwrecks
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