Other Names
- COMANLY
- COWANLY
The schooner Comely, also occasionally seen as Comanly or Cowanly, was a wooden schooner built in 1847 at the G.S. Weeks Shipyard in Oswego, New York. The vessel had an official number of 4367 and a tonnage of 248.17. It was initially owned by Cooper & Barbour and operated as a cargo carrier, transporting goods such as coal and salt.
The Comely had a history marked by various incidents and changes. It was rebuilt in 1850 and underwent major repairs in 1863 and 1865. The vessel faced challenges such as being dismasted, grounding, and experiencing collisions with other vessels.
Tragedy struck on October 13, 1869, when the Comely was wrecked during a storm on Lake Erie. The vessel was carrying a cargo of coal at the time. The ship was driven ashore by the gale and became a total wreck. It broke up the following day. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the crew.
The ship was owned and sailed by Captain Becker of Cleveland. Efforts were made to assist the vessel, including sending the tug PEREW for assistance, but ultimately the ship sank due to the severity of the situation.
The Comely’s history illustrates the challenges and risks faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during storms. The vessel’s fate serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the maritime environment and the importance of safety measures for both crew and cargo.
