Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A.W. Comstock
- Type: Schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: Abram Smith & Sons, Algonac, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 200 ft (61 m); Beam: 36 ft (11 m); Depth of hold: 12.6 ft (3.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 805.90 tons; Net: 777.85 tons
- Location: Off Stannard Rock, Lake Superior
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Constructed as a schooner-barge, the A.W. Comstock was a sturdy vessel intended for cargo transport. Its dimensions and tonnage marked it as a substantial addition to the Great Lakes fleet, suitable for hauling large loads.
Description
Launched in 1895, the A.W. Comstock was a new entry into the maritime trade on the Great Lakes, specifically designed for efficiency and capacity. The schooner-barge’s primary function was to carry bulk cargoes, such as the wheat it transported during its ill-fated final voyage.
History
The A.W. Comstock had a short service life of just three months. Its construction reflected the advancements in maritime engineering of the late 19th century, and it quickly entered service as part of a tow, alongside the steamer Viking and the schooner W.K. Moore.
On its final voyage, the vessel carried 51,500 bushels of wheat, a testament to its cargo capacity. However, the storm it faced on September 23, 1895, revealed the inherent risks of navigating Lake Superior’s vast and unpredictable waters.
Significant Incidents
Final Voyage and Loss:
- Caught in a fierce gale with winds estimated at 70 mph, the A.W. Comstock broke free from the Viking’s towline and became adrift.
- The crew abandoned the vessel as it succumbed to the storm’s power, finding refuge in lifeboats.
- They endured hours of tumultuous waves before being rescued by the steamer John J. McWilliams.
- Despite the crew’s survival, the A.W. Comstock was lost to the depths of Lake Superior near Stannard Rock, along with its valuable cargo of wheat.
- The vessel’s destruction represented a financial loss estimated at $45,000.
Final Disposition
The A.W. Comstock foundered during a gale, resulting in a total loss. Fortunately, all eight crew members were rescued, although Captain W. McArthur sustained significant injuries.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the A.W. Comstock remains submerged in Lake Superior, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by early mariners. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
The story of the A.W. Comstock epitomizes the trials of early maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Though lost to the depths, its legacy endures as a testament to the courage of its crew and the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior. The vessel’s tale enriches the maritime history of the Great Lakes, serving as a somber chapter in the annals of navigation and trade.