IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
History
The Comet was a schooner operating out of Madison, Ohio, under the command of Captain Seth Green. On November 11, 1835, the vessel set out on a fateful journey across Lake Erie, carrying a cargo of iron and ashes. However, Captain Green was not on board during this voyage, leaving the ship in the hands of the mate, Robert Haggerty.
As the schooner made its way across Lake Erie, it was caught in a powerful storm, one of the many fierce gales that have historically plagued the Great Lakes. The storm proved too much for the Comet, and the vessel foundered near Washington Reef, approximately one mile northwest of Dunkirk, New York. The storm’s intensity quickly broke the ship apart, leaving only the topmasts visible above the water in the immediate aftermath.
Tragically, all seven individuals on board lost their lives. The crew, consisting of six members, along with one passenger, Truman Chittenden, perished in the storm. Chittenden was a college student on his way to Vermont, his life cut short by the unforgiving weather conditions on Lake Erie.
Final Disposition
The schooner Comet was destroyed in the storm, with the vessel breaking apart and becoming submerged. The remains of the vessel were scattered by the waves, and no significant portion of the ship was recoverable. The incident is one of the many tragic reminders of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, especially during the treacherous autumn months when storms are frequent and severe.
Notmar & Advisories
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the Comet. However, divers and researchers should approach the area with caution due to the potential for submerged debris and unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Erie.
Located by & Date
- Discovery: The wreck of the Comet was never formally discovered or salvaged. The visible remains of the topmasts shortly after the incident were noted, but the wreck has since likely deteriorated, with no significant recovery efforts recorded.
Resources & Links
Keywords
Schooner Comet, Lake Erie, Dunkirk, Washington Reef, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes Storms, Seth Green, Robert Haggerty
Conclusion
The wreck of the Comet on November 11, 1835, stands as a poignant example of the perilous nature of early maritime travel on the Great Lakes. The loss of the entire crew and a young college student underscores the risks taken by those who ventured onto these waters, particularly during the fall storm season. The story of the Comet is a solemn reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life, especially in the face of the Great Lakes’ unpredictable and often violent weather.
