IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The COMELY was a wooden schooner built in 1847, designed for cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of the time, it was versatile and used for carrying bulk goods such as coal, salt, and other commodities. Schooners were popular for their ability to navigate both open waters and the shallower regions of the Great Lakes. The COMELY, with a tonnage of 248.17 tons, was a medium-sized vessel suited for the busy commercial routes of the 19th century.
HISTORY: #
Construction and Early Service: The COMELY was constructed in 1847 at the G.S. Weeks Shipyard in Oswego, New York. Initially owned by Cooper & Barbour, the vessel was a key part of the bustling cargo trade on the Great Lakes. It transported goods essential to the economic development of the region, including coal, which was vital for heating and industrial use, and salt, a necessary preservative and commodity.
Modifications and Incidents: Throughout its service life, the COMELY experienced several significant incidents and underwent numerous modifications:
- 1850: The vessel was rebuilt to extend its operational life and possibly to increase its cargo capacity.
- 1863 and 1865: The schooner underwent major repairs, likely due to the wear and tear of constant service and possibly the result of damage from previous incidents.
- Dismasting and Grounding: The vessel faced challenges typical of the era, including being dismasted (losing its masts) and running aground. These incidents were common as the Great Lakes were known for their unpredictable weather and difficult navigation.
Final Voyage and Wreck: On October 13, 1869, the COMELY was caught in a severe storm on Lake Erie while carrying a cargo of coal. Despite efforts to save the vessel, including sending the tug PEREW to assist, the ship was driven ashore by the force of the gale. The next day, the vessel broke up completely, becoming a total loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crew, a testament to their experience and the emergency measures they took.
Ownership: At the time of its wreck, the COMELY was owned and sailed by Captain Becker of Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel had changed ownership multiple times throughout its service life, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Great Lakes shipping industry during that period.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The COMELY was wrecked on October 13, 1869, during a storm on Lake Erie. The ship was driven ashore and broke up the following day, resulting in a total loss. The remains of the vessel are likely scattered along the shoreline where it wrecked, with no significant salvaging reported.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the COMELY. The site is not marked as a navigational hazard and has likely been integrated into the natural landscape of the lakebed or shoreline over time.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The COMELY was last located near the shore of Lake Erie after being driven aground on October 13, 1869. The exact coordinates of the wreck are not detailed in historical records, and its remains have not been identified in modern surveys.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck of the COMELY is likely scattered and degraded due to the violent nature of its destruction and the passage of time. The site may be accessible to divers or historians interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks, though significant remains are not expected.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Historical records from Cleveland maritime archives
CONCLUSION: #
The story of the schooner COMELY (also known as COMANLY or COWANLY) is emblematic of the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels navigating the Great Lakes. Built in 1847 and serving for over two decades, the vessel saw numerous incidents and repairs before meeting its end in a storm on Lake Erie. The loss of the COMELY highlights the perilous nature of maritime trade during this period and serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience of the sailors who worked these waters. Despite its tragic end, the COMELY remains a part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Schooner, Lake Erie, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, Cleveland Ohio, Storm Wreck, Coal Transport, G.S. Weeks Shipyard
