The scow-schooner “COASTER” was built in 1848 in China, Michigan. It had dimensions of 74 feet in length, 18 feet in breadth, and 5 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 63 tons (old measurement). Unfortunately, the “COASTER” met its demise in either June or July of 1859 in Lake Superior. The vessel went ashore and wrecked on the south shore of Presque Isle during a gale, resulting in a total loss. There were no reports of loss of life in connection with the incident.
The vessel was owned by Willard & Day. While the cargo, which was mostly saved, had insurance coverage from Aetna, the hull of the “COASTER” was uninsured. The wrecking of the “COASTER” was noted in various historical sources, including the “Hist. of the Great Lakes” by Mansfield.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenging conditions that vessels faced while navigating the Great Lakes, especially during storms and adverse weather conditions.
Sources:
- Buffalo Daily Courier, Friday, July 8, 1859
- “Hist. of the Great Lakes” by Mansfield
