IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: DORCAS PENDELL
  • Official Number: 157124
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Built: 1884, East Saginaw, Michigan
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 148.0 feet
    • Beam: 30.9 feet
    • Depth: 11.0 feet
  • Tonnage:
    • Gross: 407 tons
    • Net: 389 tons
  • Crew: 6 persons
  • Location of Final Incident: Harbor Beach, Lake Huron
  • Date of Incident: January 5, 1914

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The DORCAS PENDELL was a wooden Schooner, a type of sailing vessel widely used on the Great Lakes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Schooners like the DORCAS PENDELL were designed for cargo transport and were vital to regional commerce. This three-masted Schooner, with its robust wooden Hull, exemplified the design and construction typical of its time, optimized for stability and carrying capacity.

HISTORY

The DORCAS PENDELL was built in East Saginaw, Michigan, in 1884. With its Gross Tonnage of 407 tons, the Schooner was employed in freight transport across the Great Lakes, carrying a variety of goods such as lumber, coal, and grain. Over its 30-year career, the vessel was an active participant in the bustling trade networks of the region.

On January 5, 1914, the Schooner met its unfortunate end at Harbor Beach, a key harbor on Lake Huron known for its protective breakwall and lighthouse. The DORCAS PENDELL caught fire while docked, leading to the vessel’s total destruction. Despite the severity of the fire, all six crew members on board were successfully rescued, and there were no fatalities.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The fire completely destroyed the DORCAS PENDELL. The remnants of the Schooner likely settled in the harbor area or were cleared following the incident. While the vessel’s final location in Harbor Beach is not documented, the fire marked the end of its service.

LOCATED BY & DATE

There is no record of the wreck site being officially located or surveyed, making it a potential area of interest for underwater archaeologists or maritime historians.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck of the DORCAS PENDELL. The harbor is an active area, and care should be taken when exploring underwater in this region.

RESOURCES & LINKS

CONCLUSION

The DORCAS PENDELL serves as a reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes mariners, even in sheltered harbors. The Schooner, which had faithfully served for three decades, met a fiery end in 1914. Its story is emblematic of the wooden schooners that played an essential role in the Great Lakes economy during their era.

Keywords: DORCAS PENDELL, Schooner, Harbor Beach, Lake Huron Shipwreck, Wooden Vessel, 19th Century Shipping