Wreck Report: Schooner GEORGE (formerly GEORGE MURRAY)

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: GEORGE (originally GEORGE MURRAY)
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Year Built: 1873
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 202.8 feet (61.8 meters)
    • Beam: 34.4 feet (10.5 meters)
    • Depth: 13.8 feet (4.2 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 1,300 tons
  • Value at Time of Loss: $25,000
  • Last Port of Registry: Not specified
  • Final Voyage Date: October 15, 1893
  • Final Disposition: Stranded and broke up near Parisian Island, Lake Superior, declared a Total Loss.

Vessel Type Description

The GEORGE was a three-masted wooden Schooner designed to transport bulk cargo, primarily coal and grain, across the Great Lakes. At over 200 feet in length and 1,300 tons gross capacity, it was among the larger and sturdier vessels of its time. Schooners like the GEORGEwere essential to the economic infrastructure of the Great Lakes, serving as critical carriers for the booming industries of the late 19th century.

History

Built in 1873, the GEORGE faithfully served as a Bulk Carrier for 20 years. Owned by Roberts and Fox of Marblehead, the vessel was a key player in the coal trade.

On October 15, 1893, the GEORGE departed with a cargo of coal bound for Marquette, Michigan, when it encountered a violent northwest gale on Lake Superior. The gale drove the Schooner aground near Parisian Island. While the crew was successfully rescued, the relentless storm broke the vessel apart, rendering it unsalvageable.

Conflicting reports emerged about the wreck’s precise location:

  • One account placed the wreck four miles from Parisian Island, with its topmast visible above the waterline.
  • Another account suggested the wreck lay between Parisian Island and the mainland.

Despite efforts to salvage the cargo, the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

The GEORGE broke apart and sank, leaving wreckage scattered in the vicinity of Parisian Island. The site remains somewhat ambiguous due to conflicting reports of its location. The Schooner’s loss marked the end of a distinguished service career on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are currently no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) issued for the wreck of the GEORGE.

Located By & Date

The wreck was documented at the time of the incident in 1893, but conflicting accounts leave the exact location uncertain. Local divers and historians may have additional anecdotal knowledge about the wreck’s resting place.

Current Condition & Accessibility

  • Condition: The GEORGE broke apart during the storm and is believed to be highly deteriorated. The wreckage is likely scattered across the lakebed near Parisian Island.
  • Accessibility: The exact location is unclear, making the wreck difficult to locate. Divers and researchers may need to rely on historical accounts and modern sonar technology to pinpoint the site.

Resources & Links

Additional Notes

The loss of the GEORGE is emblematic of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners, particularly during the storm-prone autumn season. This incident underscores the limitations of even the largest schooners when faced with the raw power of Lake Superior’s gales.

Diving Notes & Recommendations

  • Cautions: Divers should approach the site with care, as the exact location and condition of the wreck are uncertain. The area near Parisian Island may present challenges due to currents, Visibility, and the dispersed nature of the wreckage.
  • Recommendations: Consult local dive operators or maritime historians for updated information. Responsible and respectful wreck diving practices are essential to preserve what remains of this historic vessel.

Tags – GEORGE Lake Superior Shipwreck Parisian Island Wrecks 19th-Century Maritime History Great Lakes Schooner

Conclusion

The wreck of the GEORGE near Parisian Island serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners in the late 19th century. Despite its sturdy construction, the Schooner could not withstand the brutal northwest gale that ultimately claimed it. The loss of the GEORGE highlights the perils of autumn navigation and preserves a chapter of Great Lakes maritime history that continues to intrigue divers, historians, and maritime enthusiasts.