4016 x 6016 px | 34 x 50,9 cm | 13,4 x 20,1 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
2013
Ubicazione:
40 Mile Point Light Station, Michigan
Altre informazioni:
Wooden steamer Joseph S. Fay was built in 1871, at Quayle & Martin shipyard, Cleveland, Ohio. The Fay was among the first of the Great Lakes freighters built for the iron ore trade. The schooner, D. P. Rhodes was built to be the Fay's consort. they were paired for over thirty years. On October 19, 1905 in heavy seas, the Fay with Rhodes in tow, departed from Escanaba, Michigan, downbound on Lake Huron. Both boats were fully loaded with iron ore. The captain hugged the coast seeking some protection from violent wind and savage waves. The wind shifted violently, whipping inland. The Fay was being swept to shore! The seasoned captain turned toward open water trying to gain control of his ship. The straining towline tightened, pulling taut. The ships rolled in opposite directions and the Rhodes broke free taking a portion of the Fay's stern with her. Suddenly free, the Fay gained some forward movement, but was now sinking. Water rushed into the hull. The captain struggled to bring the Fay around and head to shore toward 40 Mile Point Light Station. The Fay's bow struck a sandbar and the entire forward cabin was torn off. Huge waves lifted the structure and carried it to shore where it washed up on the sandy beach near the light station. The captain and 10 crewmen were safe inside. First Mate David Syze of Port Huron and two other crewmen weren't so fortunate. Clinging to the beached hull, the struggling men ripped off a spar and paddled shore. The first mate attempted to swim, but was overcome by the cold and was lost. The lighthouse keeper's log for October 20, 1905 simply reads: “At 8:30 p.m. last night the steamer, J. S. Fay, came ashore here in a sinking condition. She soon broke up. Most of the crew came ashore on the Pilot House. Three men swam ashore, the mate was drowned.” The Fay eventually broke up on the sand bar, sank in about 12 feet of water. 150 feet remain of her huge wooden side, metal rods and spikes. From the 40 Mile Point Light Station website.
