Corsican US 4922

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

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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.