Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2012, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== TWELVE WORST MARITIME DISASTERS IN GREAT LAKE HISTORY (based on number of casualties) ------------------------------- 5. Phoenix: Burned Location: Lake Michigan, near Sheboygan, WI. Date: November 21, 1847 Casualties: about 190-250* Type: propeller Owner: Pease & Allen, Cleveland, OH Master: Capt. Sweet AWFUL CALAMITY ! BURNING OF THE PROPELLER PHOENIX 170 LIVES LOST On Sunday morning, about 4 o'clock, the propeller Phoenix, bound up, when within 70 miles of Sheboygan, was discovered to be on fire, and it was found impossible to extinguish the flames. She had more than 200 passengers, 30 of whom took to the small boats, and were picked up by the propeller Delaware, which hove in sight, but not in time to save those on board, the remainder were either burned or drowned. Capt. Sweet was sick in his state room, but was saved; 150 of the passengers were emigrating Hollanders. Every attention was extended to the sufferers by the Captain and crew of the Delaware. The Phoenix was owned by Pease & Allen, Cleveland, and was insured for $15,000. The schooner Ontonagon, Capt. Robinson, arrived yesterday, by which we learn the Phoenix was burnt 10 miles from Manitowoc, and six miles from land. The fire originated in the forward part of the boiler deck. Mr. Bleech of Southport, after he saved Capt. Sweet, returned and perished in the flames. There were probably 200 lives lost. Capt. Sweet is at present in Sheboygan. The mate and six of the crew were saved. The propeller Delaware is expected every hour, and will bring full particulars of the calamity. Buffalo Daily Courier Monday, November 29, 1847 ======================================================================= Sources: "Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes" , Dana Thomas Bowen, 1952 Buffalo (New York) Daily Courier Buffalo Daily Courier, Buffalo, N.Y. Novembe 29, 1847 Portland Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine, September 18, 1949 (news article about the burning of the Noronic)