On November 11, 1835, during a powerful storm on Lake Erie, the schooner Comet encountered tragic circumstances. Out of Madison, Ohio, and under the charge of Captain Seth Green, the vessel was carrying iron and ashes. While Seth Green was not on board, the ship was under the command of the mate, Robert Haggerty. Unfortunately, the Comet foundered in the gale about 1 mile northwest of Dunkirk, New York, near Washington Reef. All seven individuals on board, including the crew of six and one passenger, lost their lives in the incident.
After the tragedy, the topmasts of the schooner were the only parts of the vessel visible above the water. The Comet’s cargo consisted of iron and ashes, and the ship was broken up and destroyed by the storm. Among the casualties was a passenger named Truman Chittenden, a college student bound for Vermont.
The loss of the Comet serves as a somber reminder of the risks and challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during severe weather conditions. The tragic incident highlighted the dangers of the maritime environment and the importance of safety measures for both crew and passengers.
