Shoreline to the Depths of Lake Michigan
The schooner LUCY J. CLARK met a series of unfortunate events that led to its tragic demise on Lake Michigan in 1883. After initially going ashore near Cross Village and being released by a tug, the vessel encountered a heavy gale that resulted in a capsizing and sinking, claiming the lives of some crew members. This article explores the unfortunate sequence of events that ultimately led to the loss of the LUCY J. CLARK.
The Initial Grounding and Rescue Attempt:
The LUCY J. CLARK first encountered trouble when it went ashore near Cross Village. Fortunately, the tug S.S. COE came to its aid and successfully released the vessel on the 12th of an unspecified month in 1883. The intention was to tow the schooner to Sturgeon Bay, but fate had a different plan in store.
While in tow of the tug COE and heading to Sturgeon Bay, a heavy gale struck the schooner. Tragically, the tow line parted under the immense force of the storm. The LUCY J. CLARK capsized and sank into the unforgiving depths of Lake Michigan. Three crew members—specifically, the mate, the engineer of the steam pump, and the cook—were lost in the disaster. The remainder of the crew managed to be saved from the catastrophe.
Examination of the Wreck
In the aftermath of the tragic event, the wreck of the LUCY J. CLARK warranted examination. Submarine diver Rosel Downer was sent on the steamer LAWRENCE to Cross Village to conduct the investigation. The examination aimed to assess the damage and perhaps shed light on the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking.
Ultimately, the LUCY J. CLARK, once valued at $10,500, was declared a total loss. The 20-year-old schooner met its unfortunate end on Lake Michigan, marking a somber chapter in its history.
The tragic tale of the schooner LUCY J. CLARK serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes. From going ashore to an ill-fated attempt to reach safety, the vessel’s journey ended in tragedy, claiming lives and becoming a sunken relic in the depths of Lake Michigan. Today, the LUCY J. CLARK stands as a poignant symbol of the risks and challenges faced by sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
