Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: St. Clair
- Type: Schooner Barge
- Year Built: 1859
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Off Harbor Beach, Michigan
- Official Number: Not listed
- Original Owners: C.R. Westcott, Marine City
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled schooner barge designed for bulk cargo transport, typically towed by steam tugs.
Description
The St. Clair was a wooden schooner barge constructed in 1859, primarily utilized for transporting bulk commodities such as coal across the Great Lakes. As a schooner barge, she was designed to be towed by steam tugs, allowing for the movement of multiple barges simultaneously, thereby increasing the efficiency of cargo transport during that era.
History
Throughout her nearly three-decade service, the St. Clair operated on the Great Lakes, facilitating the transport of essential goods, notably coal, which was a primary energy source during the 19th century. Her operations were integral to the industrial activities along the lakes, supplying fuel to various ports and industries.
Significant Incidents
On October 1, 1888, the St. Clair was part of a five-barge tow behind the tug Champion, navigating northward on Lake Huron amidst a severe storm. During the tempest, she broke loose from the tow and anchored off Harbor Beach, Michigan. Despite deploying both anchors, the vessel was unable to withstand the storm’s force and eventually dragged anchor, leading to her sinking near the harbor’s mouth.
Tragically, five of the seven crew members perished. The U.S. Life-Saving Service from Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach) attempted a rescue, but their surfboat capsized in the breakers after a strenuous 23-mile pull to Port Sanilac, resulting in the loss of the crewmen.
Final Disposition
The St. Clair was later lightered, raised, and towed out into Lake Huron, where she was intentionally resunk.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck of the St. Clair has not been located. There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding obstructions related to the St. Clair wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”st-clair-1859″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the St. Clair underscores the perils of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly for towed barges vulnerable to severe weather. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the bravery exhibited during rescue attempts, even when faced with insurmountable natural forces.
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: St. Clair
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: Not listed
- Date Built & Launched: 1859
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Date Lost: October 1, 1888
- Location: Off Harbor Beach, Michigan, Lake Huron
- Cause of Loss: Storm-induced separation from tow and subsequent sinking
- Cargo: Coal
- Casualties: Five of seven crew members lost
- Owner at Time of Loss: C.R. Westcott, Marine City
- Master at Time of Loss: Captain C.H. Jones(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, michigansthumb.com, flybridge.proboards.com, sarniahistoricalsociety.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled schooner barge designed for bulk cargo transport, typically towed by steam tugs.
Description
The St. Clair was a wooden schooner barge constructed in 1859, primarily utilized for transporting bulk commodities such as coal across the Great Lakes. As a schooner barge, she was designed to be towed by steam tugs, allowing for the movement of multiple barges simultaneously, thereby increasing the efficiency of cargo transport during that era.
History
Throughout her nearly three-decade service, the St. Clair operated on the Great Lakes, facilitating the transport of essential goods, notably coal, which was a primary energy source during the 19th century. Her operations were integral to the industrial activities along the lakes, supplying fuel to various ports and industries.
Final Disposition
On October 1, 1888, the St. Clair was part of a five-barge tow behind the tug Champion, navigating northward on Lake Huron amidst a severe storm. During the tempest, she broke loose from the tow and anchored off Harbor Beach, Michigan. Despite deploying both anchors, the vessel was unable to withstand the storm’s force and eventually dragged anchor, leading to her sinking near the harbor’s mouth.
Tragically, five of the seven crew members perished. The U.S. Life-Saving Service from Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach) attempted a rescue, but their surfboat capsized in the breakers after a strenuous 23-mile pull to Port Sanilac, resulting in the loss of the crewmen. The St. Clair was later lightered, raised, and towed out into Lake Huron, where she was intentionally resunk. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, the wreck of the St. Clair has not been located.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding obstructions related to the St. Clair wreck site.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – WordPress.com
- Tale of the St. Clair tragedy one of heroism, sacrifice(michigansthumb.com)
Conclusion
The sinking of the St. Clair underscores the perils of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly for towed barges vulnerable to severe weather. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the bravery exhibited during rescue attempts, even when faced with insurmountable natural forces.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: St. Clair barge, 1888 Lake Huron storm, Harbor Beach shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history
- Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Maritime History of Michigan, 19th Century Shipwrecks
- Glossary Terms:
- Schooner Barge: A sailing vessel designed to be towed by a steam tug, used for transporting bulk cargo.
- Lightered: The process of removing cargo from a vessel to reduce draft or weight, often to refloat a grounded ship.
- Resunk: Intentionally sinking a vessel, often after salvage operations, to dispose of the hull.