Commodore – Lake Erie Schooner Shipwreck (1918)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Commodore
• Type: Schooner-Barge
• Year Built: 1880
• Builder: Thomas Arnold, Carrollton, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 176.5 ft (53.8 m); Beam: 34 ft (10.4 m); Depth of hold: 12.2 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 586 tons
• Location: Near Southeast Shoal Light Vessel, Lake Erie
• Official Number: US 125805
• Original Owners: E.F. Gould, A.A. Pinet, Frank Louden
• Number of Masts: Originally three masts, modified to two masts during 1912 rebuild

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Commodore was a three-masted schooner when built, later modified to a two-masted schooner-barge during a 1912 rebuild. Designed for bulk cargo transport, it was towed by steamers across the Great Lakes. Schooner-barges like the Commodore were indispensable for transporting coal, timber, and other industrial materials that powered the economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description

The Commodore was built in 1880 in Carrollton, Michigan, and was owned by E.F. Gould of East Saginaw, Michigan. Initially a three-masted schooner, it quickly became a critical asset for transporting bulk materials across the Great Lakes.

History

Operational Challenges and Modifications:

• 1887: Ownership transferred to A.A. Pinet, retaining its original configuration.
• 1888: Frank Louden of Bay City acquired the vessel. It began operating under the tow of the steamer P.H. Birckhead.
• 1900 Incident: During a Lake Superior storm, the Commodore lost its sails, rudder, and deck cargo, illustrating the harsh conditions of Great Lakes shipping.
• 1912 Rebuild: The vessel underwent a significant rebuild at the E.I. Rose Shipyard in North Tonawanda, New York. A mast was removed, and the schooner transitioned into a two-masted schooner-barge configuration.

Final Years:

By 1918, the Commodore was being towed by the steamer Jay Gould. Despite being an aging vessel, it continued to carry substantial loads, including coal, its final cargo.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Loss:

• On June 17, 1918, the Commodore encountered a severe storm while being towed on Lake Erie near the Southeast Shoal Light Vessel.
• Weather Conditions: High winds and heavy waves overwhelmed the schooner-barge, leading it to capsize.
• Cargo: The vessel was carrying coal at the time of its loss.
• Crew: The seven-member crew was rescued by the steel steamer Mataafa, avoiding loss of life.
• Outcome: The vessel and its cargo were declared a total loss, marking the end of its 38 years of service on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Commodore rests on the bottom of Lake Erie near the Southeast Shoal Light Vessel. The exact location and condition of the wreck have not been documented or surveyed in modern times.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories:

• No active Notices to Mariners are associated with this wreck.
• Mariners should remain cautious near Southeast Shoal, a historically hazardous area due to numerous shipwrecks and shallow shoals.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The Commodore is presumed to be heavily deteriorated due to its wooden construction and prolonged submersion in Lake Erie’s waters.

Accessibility: The wreck may be accessible to advanced divers if located, but strong currents and low visibility in Lake Erie pose challenges.

Resources & Links

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The story of the Commodore highlights the challenges faced by Great Lakes shipping during an era of rapid industrialization. Despite its rebuilds and years of faithful service, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the harsh conditions of Lake Erie. Its loss underscores the perils of maritime trade in a time when weather prediction and vessel safety measures were rudimentary compared to modern standards.