CORSAIR

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Corsair was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargoes such as iron ore, grain, and coal. Schooners were known for their versatility and ability to navigate the varying conditions of the lakes, making them a staple of Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. The Corsair was heavily laden with iron ore at the time of its sinking, with much of the cargo stowed in the hold and additional tons loaded on deck.

HISTORY #

The Corsair met its tragic end on Lake Huron during a fierce storm on the night of October 2, 1872. The vessel was en route when it encountered a heavy gale off Thunder Bay Light. The schooner began to take on water, which the crew initially attempted to pump out, but their efforts were in vain as the flooding continued to worsen.

In a desperate bid to save the vessel and the lives of those aboard, the captain directed the Corsair towards Tawas Bay, seeking refuge from the storm. However, the vessel struggled against the high seas, and despite the crew’s efforts to lighten the load by jettisoning the iron ore on deck, the situation became dire. The schooner eventually settled into the water, leading to its ultimate demise.

The ordeal was harrowing for those aboard. As the Corsair sank, two crew members, Mr. Grady and Thomas B. Foley, clung to floating debris, including a piece of the deck and later the shell of a boat. They endured 36 hours adrift in the turbulent waters before being spotted and rescued by the propeller City of Boston. The survivors were provided with care and treatment by Captain Brown and the crew of the City of Boston, but sadly, the rest of the crew, including Captain G.H. Snow, perished in the disaster.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Corsair was lost in the storm off Highlands Sauble in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel foundered and sank during the gale, with only two survivors from the crew. The schooner, along with several other vessels, succumbed to the severe weather conditions that caused significant loss of life and property across the region.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact location of the Corsair‘s wreck is not specified, and no precise coordinates are available. The vessel was lost in Saginaw Bay, an area known for numerous shipwrecks due to its treacherous waters during storms. The wreck site has not been conclusively identified, and its remains may lie at an undetermined depth in the bay.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

Given the historical nature of the wreck and the lack of precise location data, no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are specifically associated with the Corsair. However, mariners should always exercise caution when navigating in areas known for historical shipwrecks, particularly in regions like Saginaw Bay, which have a history of maritime disasters.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File

CONCLUSION #

The tragic sinking of the Corsair during the storm of October 1872 stands as a somber reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. Despite the best efforts of the crew, the schooner was no match for the fierce gale that claimed the lives of all but two aboard. The disaster highlights the dangers of maritime navigation in the 19th century and the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS #

• Corsair schooner
• Lake Huron shipwreck
• Saginaw Bay wreck
• 19th century maritime disaster
• Great Lakes storm

GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #

The exact wreck location of the Corsair remains unknown, with the vessel having been lost off Highlands Sauble in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Mariners and researchers should be aware of the region’s history when exploring the waters, although no specific hazards related to the Corsair are currently charted.