1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The GEORGE, originally known as the GEORGE MURRAY, was a large wooden schooner designed for transporting bulk cargo on the Great Lakes. With a gross capacity of 1,300 tons, it was a significant vessel of its time, capable of carrying substantial loads. Schooners like the GEORGE were vital to the industrial and commercial operations on the Great Lakes, particularly in the coal and grain trades.
3. HISTORY #
Built in 1873, the GEORGE served as a reliable carrier on the Great Lakes for two decades. The vessel was owned by Roberts and Fox of Marblehead at the time of its loss. On October 15, 1893, while carrying a cargo of coal bound for Marquette, Michigan, the GEORGE encountered a severe northwest gale on Lake Superior. The gale drove the schooner aground near Parisian Island.
Despite the crew’s successful rescue, the GEORGE could not withstand the forces of the storm. The vessel broke apart and was declared a total loss. Conflicting reports exist about the exact location of the wreck, with one account mentioning the topmast head was visible above water four miles from Parisian Island, while another report suggests it was lying between Parisian Island and the mainland.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The GEORGE was lost on October 15, 1893, after stranding near Parisian Island, Lake Superior. The schooner broke apart during the gale and was declared a total loss. The wreck’s exact location remains somewhat uncertain due to conflicting reports, but it is generally believed to be near or between Parisian Island and the mainland.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the GEORGE.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the GEORGE’s wreck is unclear, with conflicting reports from the time of the incident. The topmast was reportedly seen above water four miles from Parisian Island, while another account suggests the wreck lies between Parisian Island and the mainland.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the GEORGE broke apart during the gale, the wreck is likely scattered and deteriorated. The conflicting reports about the wreck’s location suggest that it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact site. Divers and researchers interested in the wreck should proceed with caution and may need to rely on local knowledge or historical records to locate and explore the remains.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The story of the GEORGE highlights the perilous nature of shipping on the Great Lakes, where even large and well-built vessels could be lost to the forces of nature. The schooner’s loss underscores the importance of accurate navigation and weather forecasting, especially in the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Divers interested in exploring the site of the GEORGE should be aware that the wreck may be difficult to locate due to conflicting reports about its final resting place. The condition of the wreck is likely poor, with the remains potentially scattered and deteriorated. It is recommended to consult with local dive operators or historians for more information on the wreck’s location and condition. As always, divers should practice responsible and respectful wreck diving.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- GEORGE
- Parisian Island, Lake Superior
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Schooner
- Shipwreck
- Lake Superior Wreck
- Stranding
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the schooner GEORGE near Parisian Island on Lake Superior serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the stormy fall season. Despite the vessel’s size and construction, it could not withstand the forces of nature, ultimately breaking apart and becoming a total loss. The GEORGE’s story is a testament to the risks inherent in maritime transportation and the resilience of those who braved the Great Lakes’ waters.
