IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The LUCY J. CLARK was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel with multiple masts and fore-and-aft rigging. Schooners were widely used in the Great Lakes for transporting goods due to their speed and agility. The LUCY J. CLARK was approximately 20 years old at the time of its sinking and had a value of $10,500, reflecting its significance as a commercial vessel of its time.
HISTORY #
The LUCY J. CLARK embarked on its final journey in 1883. The vessel first encountered trouble when it went ashore near Cross Village, Michigan. Fortunately, the tug S.S. COE came to its aid and released the schooner on the 12th of an unspecified month. The plan was to tow the schooner to Sturgeon Bay for safety and repairs.
FINAL DISPOSITION
During the tow to Sturgeon Bay, the schooner encountered a heavy gale. The immense force of the storm caused the tow line to part, leading to the LUCY J. CLARK capsizing and sinking into Lake Michigan. Tragically, three crew members—the mate, the engineer of the steam pump, and the cook—lost their lives in the disaster. The rest of the crew managed to survive.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the LUCY J. CLARK.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was examined by submarine diver Rosel Downer, who was sent on the steamer LAWRENCE to Cross Village to investigate the sunken vessel. The examination confirmed the LUCY J. CLARK as a total loss.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The current condition of the wreck is not detailed in the available reports, and the exact location and depth are also unspecified. As such, the accessibility for diving or further research is unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Historical references related to Great Lakes shipwrecks.
- Additional reading on the schooner LUCY J. CLARK and its historical significance can be found in maritime history archives.
TAGS #
- Schooner
- Lake Michigan
- 1883
- Shipwreck
- Maritime Disaster
ANALYSIS #
The tragic sinking of the LUCY J. CLARK underscores the dangers of maritime travel on the Great Lakes, particularly during the 19th century. The vessel’s loss during a tow, compounded by a severe storm, highlights the unpredictable and hazardous conditions faced by sailors. The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of maritime navigation in an era before modern weather forecasting and rescue capabilities. The loss of life and the vessel’s eventual sinking into Lake Michigan’s depths also illustrate the thin margin for error that existed in Great Lakes shipping during this period.
