Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sarah Clow
- Type: Wooden two-masted lumber schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Off the Manitou Islands, Lake Michigan
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted lumber schooner.
Description
The Sarah Clow was a wooden two-masted schooner primarily used for transporting lumber. Built in 1862, she was designed to navigate the waters of the Great Lakes.
History
In mid-November 1869, after loading lumber, Sarah Clow put to sea to wait out a sudden violent storm. She cast anchor but was caught by tempestuous seas that left her sideways to the troughs, causing severe hull stress. The vessel ultimately broke nearly in two and sank off the Manitou Islands. Despite the catastrophic damage, she was partially salvaged and reconstructed by April 1870—indicating her hull or machinery was recoverable and rebuilt.
Significant Incidents
- Storm-induced capsize; vessel “broke nearly in two and sank” but was later rebuilt in April 1870.
Final Disposition
After being declared a wreck, Sarah Clow was refloated and completely rebuilt by April 1870. She continued in service, was later repaired again in 1880, and presumably remained active for many years thereafter.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it was salvaged and rebuilt after the sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sarah-clow-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
Sarah Clow matches the shipwreck file’s description: had just loaded lumber, tried to ride out a storm at anchor, but suffered catastrophic structural failure and sank during the gale. The crew survived, and the vessel was judged salvageable and rebuilt. If you’d like help identifying crew names, press coverage, or details of the rebuild through enrollment records or salvaging company archives, I can assist with next archival steps.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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