Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sarnian
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Superior
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Sarnian was a wooden schooner primarily used for cargo transport, specifically barley.
Description
The Sarnian encountered a powerful northeast gale on December 10, 1943, which drove her ashore. The vessel was severely grounded and demolished by the breakers, leading to her being deemed a total loss. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by the tug Superior, confirming that there were no fatalities.
History
Constructed in 1895, the Sarnian served for approximately 48 years, making her an unusually long-serving wooden schooner. Her loss during a catastrophic storm exemplifies the risks faced by late-age sail and early steam vessels operating in winter conditions on Lake Superior.
Significant Incidents
- Encountered a sudden and fierce NE gale with giant waves that pushed Sarnian onto a lee shore.
- Grounded severely and demolished by breakers, she was deemed a total loss.
- Crew were all rescued by the tug Superior, confirming no fatalities.
Final Disposition
The Sarnian was wrecked and is believed to be located onshore or nearshore in Lake Superior, likely in Minnesota or Ontario. The precise location remains unknown.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Divers can expect heavily fragmented wooden remains or planking in shallow water. The impact of the storm likely scattered debris along the shore.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sarnian-b1895″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Sarnian serves as a reminder of the maritime challenges faced in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. The successful rescue of her crew highlights the importance of maritime coordination in emergencies.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sarnian
- Built: 1895
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Cargo: Barley
- Final Event: Driven ashore and wrecked by a powerful northeast gale on December 10, 1943
- Casualties: None—crew were rescued by the tug Superior (likely the steam schooner Superior) (aos.wisc.edu, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Incident & Wreck Details
- Encountered a sudden and fierce NE gale with giant waves that pushed Sarnian onto a lee shore.
- Grounded severely and demolished by breakers, she was deemed a total loss.
- Crew were all rescued by the tug Superior, confirming no fatalities (aos.wisc.edu).
Archival & Research Gaps
- Construction Records: Specific builder, dimensions, tonnage, engine or rig details—likely found in 1895 enrollment records.
- Tow or Voyage Details: Whether in tow or self-powered, and intended destination.
- Crew List: Master’s name and crew roles, available in manifest records.
- Weather Context: Meteorological data on the NE storm could provide insight.
- Press & Harbor Logs: Local newspapers (e.g., Duluth, Sault Ste. Marie) and port logs may detail rescue and wreck.
Wreck & Exploration Potential
- Likely Site: Onshore or nearshore in Lake Superior (most probably in Minnesota or Ontario) – precise location unknown.
- Condition: Expect heavily fragmented wooden remains or planking in shallow water. Storm impact likely scattered debris along the shore.
- Field Survey Plan:
- Use historical charting and newspaper accounts to approximate grounding location.
- Perform shoreline visual surveys and shallow magnetometer sweeps.
- Recover any surviving artifacts like iron fittings, rigging hardware, or identifiable course markers.
Historical Significance
- The Sarnian, at approximately 48 years old, was an unusually long-serving wooden schooner.
- Her loss under catastrophic storm conditions exemplifies Late-Age sail and early steam-coastal risks during winter on Lake Superior.
- The incident also highlights successful maritime rescue coordination in the middle of a gale.
Next Steps
- Archive Requests:
- Tug Superior log for rescue action.
- Enrollment and tonnage documentation from 1895.
- Newspaper Research:
- Local press archives (e.g., Duluth News Tribune, Sault Star) for December 1943 coverage.
- Weather Data Inquiry:
- NOAA historical archives for December 1943 storm conditions over Lake Superior.
- Site Reconnaissance:
- Coordinate with local dive clubs or historical societies to pinpoint wreck through shoreline surveys.