James Couch (TASMANIA) U75598

Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Type Description #

The James Couch, later known as the TASMANIA, was a large wooden schooner designed for the transportation of bulk cargo, particularly grain and iron ore. The vessel’s construction included a single deck and was initially equipped with three masts. After a major rebuild in 1890, it was converted into a four-masted schooner-barge, increasing its cargo capacity and reinforcing its structure.

History #

The James Couch was launched in 1871, constructed by Muir, Livingston & Co. in Port Huron, Michigan, for Captain Thomas L. Parker of Chicago. The schooner featured an experimental design with lee boards, which were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the addition of a centerboard case in 1872.

Throughout its early years, the James Couch was heavily involved in the grain trade, utilizing its considerable carrying capacity to transport large quantities of bushels across the Great Lakes. The vessel underwent ownership changes in 1875, becoming part of the Merrill & Skeele fleet out of Chicago. In 1879, repairs were made to maintain its operational integrity.

In March 1890, the vessel was significantly rebuilt in Cleveland, Ohio, emerging as a four-masted schooner-barge named TASMANIA. Owned by Corrigan Bros. of Cleveland, the newly named vessel was better equipped to handle the rigorous demands of iron ore transport.

However, the TASMANIA encountered numerous challenges throughout its service life. In August 1890, the vessel collided with the steamer J. H. WADE in Lake George Flats, located in the St. Mary’s River. The collision resulted in the TASMANIA sinking, but it was later raised by the Moran Wrecking Company, after which it was towed to Cleveland for repairs.

Further misfortune struck in July 1891 when the TASMANIA was damaged by the steamer CITY of LONDON in Lake Superior. Despite the damage, the vessel was repaired and continued its service until October 11, 1894, when it was driven ashore during a storm in Cleveland. The crew was rescued, but the incident was another mark on the vessel’s troubled history.

The final and most tragic event occurred on October 20, 1905. While carrying iron ore from Escanaba, Michigan, to Cleveland, Ohio, the TASMANIA encountered a severe storm. The vessel struck the bottom and began taking on water rapidly. The tow line connecting the TASMANIA to the steamer BULGARIA was cut in an attempt to save the schooner, but it was too late. The TASMANIA foundered and sank, resulting in the loss of eight lives.

Final Disposition #

• Date of Loss: October 20, 1905
• Cause of Loss: Foundered in a storm, struck the bottom, and sank rapidly after the tow line was cut
• Crew: Eight lives lost
• Final Location: Three miles southwest of SE Shoal Light, Pelee Passage, Lake Erie
• Post-Wreck: The wreck was considered a hazard to navigation and was subsequently blown up in July 1906.

Tags #

• Shipwreck
• Schooner
• Schooner-Barge
• Lake Erie
• Point Pelee
• 19th Century Vessel
• Maritime History
• Iron Ore Transport
• Storm Foundering
• Great Lakes Shipwreck

Conclusion #

The James Couch, later renamed TASMANIA, was a vessel marked by a series of rebuilds, collisions, and unfortunate incidents throughout its operational life. Originally built in 1871 as a three-masted schooner, it played a crucial role in the grain trade before transitioning to iron ore transport following its rebuild in 1890. Despite its robust design, the TASMANIA faced numerous challenges, culminating in its tragic sinking during a storm in 1905. The loss of the TASMANIA and its crew serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Resources & Links #

• Great Lakes Ships
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Corrigan Bros. Shipping Records
• Moran Wrecking Company Archives