The Tragic Tale of a Sinking Schooner in Lake Superior
In the annals of maritime history, the story of the commercial schooner Lucerne stands as a haunting reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. Launched on April 23, 1873, the majestic vessel was a pride of Ashland, Wisconsin, boasting a length of nearly 195 feet and built at the impressive cost of $55,000.
On that fateful November 15, 1886, Lucerne set sail from Ashland, her hull laden with 1,200 tons of precious iron ore destined for Cleveland, Ohio, under the care of Little, Oglebay and Company. The captain and crew embarked on their journey with optimism, as a light wind filled the sails, promising a swift return to their home port.
However, nature had other plans in store. As the night unfolded, an unexpected snowstorm began to gather strength over Lake Superior, transforming the tranquil waters into a maelstrom of treacherous waves and blinding snow. The once-promising voyage turned into a struggle for survival.
By November 17 or 18, 1886, Lucerne was no match for the fury of the tempest. The violent storm overcame the ship, and it vanished beneath the unforgiving waves near Long Island in Chequamegon Bay. Tragically, no witnesses were present to document the final moments of Lucerne’s valiant struggle against the elements, and all aboard the vessel perished, succumbing to the merciless grasp of Lake Superior.
News of Lucerne’s disappearance reached her concerned owner, William Mack, who immediately called for a search vessel to be sent from Bayfield, Wisconsin. The S. B. Barker set out on a solemn mission to locate the missing schooner. However, they did not have to venture far before coming across a heartbreaking sight – the wreckage of Lucerne, with three masts protruding defiantly from the water’s surface.
A closer examination of the scene revealed the harrowing fate of three crew members who had desperately sought refuge atop the masts. Tragically, they had succumbed to the frigid embrace of the lake, and their lifeless bodies were found encased in three inches of ice. Their valiant attempt to escape the freezing waters was a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, even in the face of impending doom.
The discovery of Lucerne’s wreckage sent shockwaves through the maritime community, as the ship had been a familiar and cherished sight on the waters of Lake Superior. In 1991, the site of the ill-fated vessel’s sinking was added to the National Register of Historic Places, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and the countless lives lost to the unpredictable fury of the Great Lakes.
As the chilling tale of Lucerne endures, it serves as a somber tribute to the brave souls who navigated the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior, their indomitable spirit forever etched in the pages of history.
