1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CARLOTTA was originally built as a sail yacht named ADRIENNE in 1879 by Lawley & Son in Boston, Massachusetts. Initially designed as a schooner, the vessel measured 39 feet (11.9 meters) in length, 14 feet (4.3 meters) in beam, and 5 feet (1.5 meters) in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 14 tons and a net tonnage of 12 tons. The CARLOTTA underwent significant modifications throughout its life, transitioning from a schooner to a gas screw yacht in 1910 and later serving as a fish tug.
3. HISTORY #
The vessel that would eventually become known as the CARLOTTA had a varied and intriguing history. Originally launched as the sail yacht ADRIENNE, the vessel later became known as THORA before finally being renamed CARLOTTA. Built in 1879 by Lawley & Son in Boston, the schooner was designed for yachting and later converted to a gas screw vessel in 1910.
By 1911, the vessel was owned by Benjamin Cowles of Buffalo, New York, and was officially registered under the name CARLOTTA with the official number 105834. The vessel’s primary function had shifted from recreational yachting to more utilitarian roles, including service as a fish tug.
Tragically, on August 27, 1913, while underway near Elmwood Beach off Grand Island in Munising Bay, Lake Superior, the CARLOTTA caught fire. The blaze resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel. Despite the fire’s intensity, both individuals aboard at the time survived, and no fatalities were reported. The loss of the CARLOTTA was a significant event, marking the end of a vessel that had seen various transformations and name changes throughout its operational life.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CARLOTTA was destroyed by fire on August 27, 1913, while navigating near Elmwood Beach off Grand Island in Munising Bay, Lake Superior. The fire completely consumed the vessel, leading to its total loss. The remains of the CARLOTTA were not salvaged, and the vessel was declared a total loss.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the CARLOTTA. Given that the vessel was destroyed by fire, it is unlikely that significant wreckage remains.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the CARLOTTA’s wreckage has not been documented. The vessel was reported lost near Elmwood Beach, off Grand Island, Munising Bay, Lake Superior, but no specific coordinates or subsequent exploration of the site have been recorded.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given the nature of the vessel’s destruction by fire, the CARLOTTA’s wreckage is likely minimal, if any remains exist at all. The site would hold historical significance, but due to the fire, the wreckage may be difficult to locate or identify.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The CARLOTTA’s history is marked by its evolution from a luxurious sail yacht to a functional gas screw vessel and fish tug. Its various name changes, from ADRIENNE to THORA, and finally to CARLOTTA, reflect its changing roles over the years. The vessel’s destruction by fire near Grand Island serves as a reminder of the risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, even in relatively calm waters.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the complete destruction of the CARLOTTA by fire, any remaining wreckage would be minimal and difficult to locate. Diving in the area would likely yield little in terms of intact artifacts, but the site may still hold interest for those researching the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Schooner
- Gas Screw Vessel
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The CARLOTTA, originally launched as the sail yacht ADRIENNE, lived a varied life on the waters of the Great Lakes, serving multiple roles under different names. Its final chapter ended in tragedy when a fire consumed the vessel near Grand Island in 1913. Although the CARLOTTA’s physical remains may be minimal, its story adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history on Lake Superior, reminding us of the many vessels that met their end in these vast and often unpredictable waters.
