IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Corsican was a wooden-hulled schooner, a type of sailing vessel widely used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the Corsican were built for their ability to carry large bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain. The vessel, constructed in 1862, had a length of 112.4 feet, a beam of 25.4 feet, and a depth of 10 feet, with a gross tonnage of 281 tons. Schooners were integral to maritime commerce on the Great Lakes, known for their maneuverability and capacity to navigate the often-turbulent waters.
HISTORY #
The Corsican met its tragic fate on June 2, 1893, during a routine voyage on Lake Huron. The vessel, heavily laden with coal, was navigating through dense fog about ten miles south of Thunder Bay Island when it collided with an unidentified schooner. The collision occurred in such poor visibility that the identity of the other vessel remained a mystery, and it was speculated that the unknown schooner might have been the St. Lawrence, which was reportedly bound down Lake Huron with a cargo of pig iron.
Following the collision, the crew of the Corsican attempted to assist the other schooner, but their efforts were in vain. The unknown vessel, along with its crew, disappeared into the fog, leaving behind only debris and unanswered questions. Among the wreckage found were items such as a cabin door, window sashes, and a letter from a man named Joe Davy, but nothing conclusive that could identify the lost schooner.
The Corsican itself sank as a result of the collision, taking the lives of all six crew members aboard. The vessel’s loss, alongside the mystery of the unidentified schooner, marked one of the more enigmatic maritime tragedies on Lake Huron.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Corsican lies somewhere off Thunder Bay Island near Alpena, MI, in Lake Huron. The exact location of the wreck remains undetermined, and the depth at which it rests has not been specified. The schooner was abandoned to the underwriters following unsuccessful salvage attempts, and it is presumed to have been lost to the depths of the lake.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Corsican has not been definitively located, and there are no specific coordinates available for the site. The final resting place of the vessel and the identity of the schooner it collided with remain mysteries, contributing to the lore of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the wreck’s location and the dense fog that contributed to its sinking, there are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the Corsican. However, mariners should always exercise caution when navigating near Thunder Bay Island, an area known for hazardous weather conditions and historical shipwrecks.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library: Library Contact Information
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the Corsican is a tragic chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, marked by the loss of life and the enduring mystery of the unidentified schooner involved in the collision. The incident highlights the dangers of navigating in poor visibility and the unforgiving nature of Lake Huron’s waters. The story of the Corsican serves as a poignant reminder of the many risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.
KEYWORDS #
- Corsican schooner
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Thunder Bay Island
- Maritime collision
- Great Lakes history
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck of the Corsican is believed to be off Thunder Bay Island near Alpena, MI, in Lake Huron. The exact coordinates and depth of the wreck remain unknown. Mariners should consult current NOTMARs and exercise caution when navigating in this historically treacherous area.
