Identification Card

Description

The Comrade was a wooden-hulled Schooner-Barge designed to be towed by larger steam vessels. Measuring nearly 200 ft in length and carrying over 900 tons, it was capable of transporting bulk commodities essential to the Great Lakes economy, particularly iron ore. While designed with framing that could support Conversion to steam power, it remained dependent on towing throughout its service life.

History

Launched in 1883 at Buffalo, New York, Comrade entered service in the bulk trades that connected Lake Superior mining ports with industrial centers on Lakes Erie and Michigan. Typically hauled by powerful steam-barges such as the Columbia, it made routine voyages carrying iron ore, coal, and timber cargoes. Like many Schooner-barges of its time, it represented the transitional era of sail-assisted bulk carriers adapted to the Steamer tow system.

Final Voyage

On 13 September 1890, Comrade departed Ashland, Wisconsin, loaded with 1,650 tons of iron ore bound for Cleveland, Ohio. Under tow of the Steamer Columbia, it encountered a severe Lake Superior gale between Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale. Heavy seas snapped the Towline, leaving the Barge adrift. Attempts by the crew to anchor or deploy a Yawl drag failed. Overwhelmed by the storm, Comrade capsized and Foundered, sinking with all 8 aboard, including Capt. Peterson.

Final Dispositions

Declared a Total Loss, Comrade was never recovered. Its wreckage has not been located despite searches and likely rests in deep water off Isle Royale. Given the violent nature of the sinking, the Hull is presumed fragmented.

Located By & Date Found

Not located. Presumed site lies in Lake Superior between Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale. Future sonar and archaeological surveys may yet locate the remains.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None currently issued. Mariners in the Keweenaw–Isle Royale corridor should remain aware of unpredictable weather hazards that continue to endanger shipping.

Dive Information

Access: Not accessible (site not located)
Entry Point: N/A
Conditions: N/A
Depth Range: Presumed deep-water (>300 ft / >91 m)
Emergency Contacts: U.S. Coast Guard, District 9 (Great Lakes)
Permits: Required if located (U.S. and Michigan/Isle Royale jurisdiction)
Dive Support: Technical/archaeological expedition only

Crew & Casualty Memorials

All 8 crew, including Capt. Peterson, lost. No known graves or memorials. Local archival searches (Ashland, WI and Cleveland, OH) may yield obituaries or crew lists.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“Efforts to anchor or check the drift proved useless, and in the teeth of the gale the Comrade went down with her entire crew.” — Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 1890

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Official registry in Buffalo, New York, 1883. Insurance records indicate valuation in excess of $30,000, with cargo insured separately by Cleveland consignees. Enrollment surrendered 1890 as “vessel lost.”

Site Documentation & Imaging

No confirmed imaging or sonar scans exist. The wreck remains undiscovered. If found, the site would likely show broken Hull sections, scattered iron ore cargo, and possible machinery fittings.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Chronicling America (Library of Congress)

References

1. Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 1890 — report of sinking
2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes — vessel data
3. Great Lakes Vessels Database — BGSU archival enrollment record

NOAA Shipwreck Record Card