Type: Wooden 3‑masted Schooner — Lake Huron (U.S.)

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Description & Use

The Narragansett was a large wooden 3‑masted Schooner built in 1861, used in Great Lakes freight trade. Her size, rigging, and robust planking suggest a vessel capable of hauling sizable cargoes across freshwater conditions. By the time of her loss, her tonnage had slightly decreased, possibly following structural alterations or remeasurement for registry purposes (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).

Operational History

  • Built in 1861 at Cleveland by Quayle & Martin
  • Active in mid-to-late 19th century regional trade
  • Registry adjustments: Reduction in dimensions and tonnage by 1901 (likely due to repairs or Rebuild) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

No other incidents or ownership changes are documented in the summary listing.

Incident Details

During 13 May 1901, the aging Hull of Narragansett began leaking under storm conditions off Port Sanilac, MI. The crew Abandoned the vessel as she became waterlogged. The ship remained afloat briefly but was ultimately considered a constructive Total Loss. All crew survived with no recorded casualties (beavertaillight.org, Manitou Islands Archives).

Final Disposition

  • Declared a Total Loss, Abandoned at sea with no salvage reported.
  • Specific wreck location and survey data are undocumented.

Wreck Status & Diving Notes

  • No physical wreck site has been documented.
  • No diving or identification expeditions have been recorded in accessible archives.

NOTMARs & Official Advisories

  • None recorded—no formal Notices to Mariners or hazard bulletins associated with the incident.

Research Gaps & Suggested Next Steps

  • Enrollments & Registries (1900–1902): Examine official U.S. enrollment and Coast Guard records for Hull changes, insurance, or formal abandonment logs.
  • Regional Newspapers (May–June 1901): Searching Port Huron, Detroit Free Press, and North Eastern Michigan press could uncover eyewitness accounts, cargo manifests, or crew identities.
  • Great Lakes Crew Lists & Marine Logs: These may identify vessel owners, master, insurance underwriters, or ongoing structural issues.
  • Local Port Records: Sanilac County harbormaster or salvage records may hold disposal or recovery activity from the wreck.

Resources & References

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files — “N‑section”: Comprehensive database entry listing build and loss details; official number, tonnage, and vessel specifics (Schooner, 3‑mast) with loss data on 13 May 1901 off Port Sanilac (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).

Keywords & Categories

Schooner, aged Hull, waterlogging, storm loss, Lake Huron, May 1901, crew survival, constructively totalled, wooden vessel.

Summary

The Narragansett — a wooden 3‑masted Schooner built in 1861 — was lost on 13 May 1901 after becoming waterlogged in a storm off Port Sanilac, Michigan. Her aging Hull failed, forcing the crew to abandon her; all survived. The vessel was declared a Total Loss, but no wreck site or salvage record exists. Key vessel specifications and incident details suggest an opportunity for deeper archival research to fill in ownership, cargo, crew, and fate.