Identification & Site Information

  • Wreck Name: Arrow
  • Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner (likely a Mackinaw boat, Centerboard Ketch)
  • Date of Build: Specific details unavailable
  • Official Number: Not provided
  • Dimensions: Length: 32 feet (9.8 meters) Beam: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
  • Construction: Clinker-built (overlapping planks)
  • Final Disposition: Sank on October 20, 1880, approximately 1.5 miles off Rogers City, Lake Huron

Vessel Type Description

The Arrow was a small, versatile Schooner with two masts, believed to have been designed as a Mackinaw boat. These vessels were light, durable, and adaptable, making them ideal for fishing, supply runs, and life-saving operations. The Centerboard Ketch design allowed for efficient sailing in shallow waters and easy beaching. Its Clinker-built construction provided added strength and resilience against the rough conditions of Lake Huron.

History

Role and Service. The Arrow was an integral part of the operations of the 40-Mile Point Life-Saving Station, serving as a transport and supply vessel for the United States Life-Saving Service (USLS). The boat connected the station with Rogers City, ensuring that personnel and resources could be moved effectively along the Lake Huron coastline.

Final Voyage. On October 20, 1880, the Arrow set sail from the life-saving station to Rogers City. The vessel encountered a sudden, violent storm approximately 1.5 miles off Rogers City. The ferocity of the storm overwhelmed the small Schooner, causing it to capsize.

Crew and Passengers:

The vessel carried three individuals, including:

  • USLS District Superintendent J. Sawyer
  • 40-Mile Point Station Captain G. Feaben
  • A third individual whose details are not well-documented

Aftermath: Sawyer and Feaben clung to the mainmast for hours in the frigid waters before succumbing to the harsh conditions. The third individual survived, though details of their rescue remain unclear. The loss of the Arrow was a devastating blow to the USLS and the Rogers City community, both of whom relied on the vessel for its vital role in life-saving operations.

Final Disposition

The Arrow sank during the storm and was not recovered. The precise location of the wreck is unknown, and there are no reports of it being located or surveyed. The vessel’s remains are believed to rest on the bottom of Lake Huron, near Rogers City, with no significant artifacts or wreckage having been documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Current Status: There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck. It has not been marked as a navigational hazard on contemporary nautical charts.

Located By & Date

Discovery: The wreck has not been officially located or documented. Its presumed resting place lies undisturbed at the bottom of Lake Huron.

Legacy

The loss of the Arrow is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by life-saving personnel on the Great Lakes. Despite its small size, the vessel played an essential role in supporting the USLS, ensuring the safety of others in one of the most perilous maritime environments in the world. The deaths of Superintendent J. Sawyer and Captain G. Feaben marked a significant tragedy, underscoring the dangers faced by those who served in the line of duty.

Resources & Links

  • United States Life-Saving Service: Historical context on life-saving operations and vessel roles.
  • National Shipwreck Database (NSP): Repository of maritime wrecks and losses.
  • Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records of vessels and maritime history.
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive archival information on Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

Keywords

#Arrow #USLS Vessel #Mackinaw boat #Lake Huron Shipwreck #Rogers City #40-Mile Point Life-Saving Station #19th Century Maritime #History Great Lakes Storm

Conclusion

The Arrow was a small but vital vessel in the service of the United States Life-Saving Service, connecting critical locations along the Lake Huron coastline. Its tragic loss in a sudden storm on October 20, 1880, highlights the inherent dangers faced by those who worked tirelessly to protect others. The vessel’s story remains a testament to the bravery and resilience of life-saving personnel, whose dedication often came at great personal risk.