Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Charles Hebard
- Type: Wooden Steamer
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Point Mamainse, just north of Pancake Bay
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Wooden Steamer
Description
The Charles Hebard was a wooden steamer that met its fate during a severe storm in December 1902. It was towing three schooners when it foundered on the rocks at Point Mamainse, located just north of Pancake Bay on Lake Superior.
History
Historical Context: December storms on Lake Superior are notorious for their intensity, often striking vessels with little warning. The Point Mamainse area is known for its treacherous rocks and lack of safe harbors, making navigation particularly dangerous during storms. The Charles Hebard was engaged in towing operations, a common practice at the time, where steamers would assist wind-powered vessels that struggled to navigate the lakes independently.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Circumstances: The Charles Hebard foundered on the rocks during a severe storm in December 1902, while towing three schooners. The ship was dashed to pieces by relentless waves, resulting in its total destruction.
- Survival of the Crew: All 14 crew members, including Jennie Barnes, the ship’s cook, survived the ordeal. They demonstrated remarkable teamwork and resourcefulness, with the first crew member to reach shore rigging a boatswain’s chair to ferry the others safely to land.
- Towed Schooners: Two of the three schooners being towed managed to seek refuge in Pancake Bay, while the fate of the third schooner remains unrecorded.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Charles Hebard serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The vessel was completely destroyed, but the story of the crew’s survival highlights their ingenuity and resilience.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site of the Charles Hebard is located in a historically significant area known for shipwrecks. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
The wreck of the Charles Hebard at Point Mamainse is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Great Lakes sailors in the age of wooden steamers. The crew’s resourcefulness in the face of disaster exemplifies the spirit of maritime resilience.