Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Corsican
- Type: Wooden-hulled schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: H. Rogers, Olcott, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 34.3 m (112.4 ft); Beam: 7.7 m (25.4 ft); Depth: 3.0 m (10 ft)
- Registered Tonnage: 281 gross tons
- Location: Off Thunder Bay Island, near Alpena, Michigan
- Official Number: 4922
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Corsican was a typical three-masted Great Lakes schooner used for bulk cargo such as coal, iron, and grain. Ships of this design were the workhorses of the inland fleet, prized for their large carrying capacity and relatively shallow draught. Like many vessels of her class, Corsican likely operated both independently and in tow.
Description
The Corsican had a three-decade career serving Great Lakes ports. On June 2, 1893, while navigating in dense fog about 10 miles south of Thunder Bay Island, she was struck mid-lake by an unidentified schooner. The impact caused catastrophic damage, and the Corsican foundered quickly, taking all six crew with her.
Scattered wreckage was found, including a letter addressed to “Joe Davy,” a cabin door, and other woodwork. The other vessel, possibly the schooner St. Lawrence reportedly hauling pig iron, vanished without further trace. No formal identification of that vessel was ever confirmed, making this a dual-mystery loss.
History
The Corsican was abandoned to her insurers after salvage was deemed impossible. Her wreck was never conclusively found. The vessel’s structure is presumed to lie in deep water southeast of Thunder Bay Island, a region with numerous 19th-century wrecks.
Significant Incidents
- June 2, 1893: The Corsican was struck by an unidentified schooner in dense fog, resulting in the loss of all six crew members.
Final Disposition
The Corsican was abandoned to her insurers after salvage was deemed impossible. Her wreck was never conclusively found. The vessel’s structure is presumed to lie in deep water southeast of Thunder Bay Island, a region with numerous 19th-century wrecks.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not found. No confirmed coordinates or wreck discovery data currently exist. Thunder Bay Island and its approaches are known for wrecks and low-visibility hazards. Mariners should navigate cautiously.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”corsican-us-4922″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The loss of the Corsican underscores the extreme risks 19th-century schooner crews faced, especially under conditions like fog. Her collision with an unknown vessel and the complete loss of life contribute to the enduring mystery. Though unlocated, Corsican remains a key case in Lake Huron’s wreck history, particularly within the hazardous waters off Alpena’s Thunder Bay Island.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Corsican (Official No. 4922 – Built 1862, Lost 1893)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Vessel Name: Corsican
- Official Number: 4922
- Type: Wooden-hulled schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: H. Rogers, Olcott, New York
- Dimensions:
- Length: 34.3 m (112.4 ft)
- Beam: 7.7 m (25.4 ft)
- Depth: 3.0 m (10 ft)
- Tonnage: 281 gross tons
- Home Port: Likely Buffalo, NY or a Lake Erie port
- Final Location: Off Thunder Bay Island, near Alpena, Michigan
- Date Lost: June 2, 1893
- Cargo at Loss: Coal
- Casualties: All six crew members lost
- Depth: Unknown
Vessel Type Description
The Corsican was a typical three-masted Great Lakes schooner used for bulk cargo such as coal, iron, and grain. Ships of this design were the workhorses of the inland fleet, prized for their large carrying capacity and relatively shallow draught. Like many vessels of her class, Corsican likely operated both independently and in tow.
History
The Corsican had a three-decade career serving Great Lakes ports. On June 2, 1893, while navigating in dense fog about 10 miles south of Thunder Bay Island, she was struck mid-lake by an unidentified schooner. The impact caused catastrophic damage, and the Corsican foundered quickly, taking all six crew with her.
Scattered wreckage was found, including a letter addressed to “Joe Davy,” a cabin door, and other woodwork. The other vessel, possibly the schooner St. Lawrence reportedly hauling pig iron, vanished without further trace. No formal identification of that vessel was ever confirmed, making this a dual-mystery loss.
Final Disposition
The Corsican was abandoned to her insurers after salvage was deemed impossible. Her wreck was never conclusively found. The vessel’s structure is presumed to lie in deep water southeast of Thunder Bay Island, a region with numerous 19th-century wrecks.
Located By & Date
Not found. No confirmed coordinates or wreck discovery data currently exist.
Notmars & Advisories
None specifically noted. However, Thunder Bay Island and its approaches are known for wrecks and low-visibility hazards. Mariners should navigate cautiously.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- [David Swayze Shipwreck File]
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
Conclusion
The loss of the Corsican underscores the extreme risks 19th-century schooner crews faced, especially under conditions like fog. Her collision with an unknown vessel and the complete loss of life contribute to the enduring mystery. Though unlocated, Corsican remains a key case in Lake Huron’s wreck history, particularly within the hazardous waters off Alpena’s Thunder Bay Island.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
Corsican; Great Lakes schooner; Thunder Bay Island; fog collision; Alpena Michigan; coal schooner; Lake Huron shipwreck; lost with all hands; 1893 wreck; unknown vessel collision.
corsican-4922 1893-06-02 07:53:00