1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Comrade was a schooner-barge, constructed in 1883 by R. Mills & Co. in Buffalo, NY. Although it was built with the infrastructure for a steam barge, the vessel was never outfitted with machinery, making it dependent on towing by other steam-powered vessels. The Comrade was designed to transport large quantities of freight, with a significant capacity reflected in its dimensions and tonnage. Schooner-barges like the Comrade played a crucial role in the Great Lakes shipping industry, particularly for bulk cargo like iron ore.
3. HISTORY #
The Comrade was launched in 1883 and quickly became an integral part of the Great Lakes maritime trade. Designed to be towed by steamers, the Comrade regularly transported large quantities of cargo across the lakes. On September 13, 1890, the vessel embarked on what would be its final voyage, loaded with 1,650 tons of iron ore and bound for Cleveland from Ashland, WI. The Comrade was under tow by the steambarge Columbia when it encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior.
The storm, likely a southeast or west-southwest gale, separated the Comrade from its tow, leaving the schooner-barge and its crew of eight to face the tempest alone. Despite their valiant efforts, including attempts to anchor the vessel and the use of a drag attached to the yawl, the Comrade was overwhelmed by the storm. The vessel foundered between Keweenaw and Isle Royale, taking all eight crew members, including the master, Captain Peterson, to their deaths.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Comrade was lost on September 13, 1890, after foundering in Lake Superior during a severe storm. The wreckage, later discovered, testified to the crew’s desperate attempts to survive, with anchors slipped and the yawl adrift. The vessel’s loss, along with the entire crew, stands as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Comrade.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The specific location of the Comrade’s wreck has not been detailed, but it is believed to have sunk somewhere between Keweenaw and Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The exact condition of the Comrade’s wreck remains unknown, and its specific location has not been conclusively identified. Given the violent nature of its sinking, the wreck may be scattered and difficult to locate. Divers interested in exploring wrecks in the general area should exercise caution and be aware of the historical significance of the site.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The story of the Comrade highlights the perils of maritime trade on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable storms could quickly turn a routine voyage into a tragic disaster. The loss of the Comrade, along with its entire crew, underscores the immense challenges faced by mariners who braved the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. The vessel’s history is a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in Great Lakes navigation during the late 19th century.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
As the precise location of the Comrade’s wreck remains uncertain, diving opportunities related to this site are limited. However, those interested in the maritime history of Lake Superior may find value in exploring the general area between Keweenaw and Isle Royale, where numerous shipwrecks testify to the lake’s treacherous conditions. Divers should consult local resources and exercise caution when exploring these historically significant waters.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Comrade
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Schooner-barge
- Shipwreck
- Foundering
- Lake Superior Wreck
- Maritime Tragedy
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the Comrade in the stormy waters of Lake Superior on September 13, 1890, serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers that mariners faced on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s tragic end, along with the loss of its crew, encapsulates the risks of navigating these unpredictable waters. The story of the Comrade remains a testament to the courage and resilience of those who plied their trade on the Great Lakes, where nature’s fury could swiftly turn a voyage into a fight for survival.
