Lucerne

3D ModelNoAI

The 195 ft large three masted schooner Lucerne was built in 1873 in Tonawanda, New York. It hauled grain early in its career then eventually switched to haul primarily coal and iron ore. Like most vessels it was involved in at least one collision and rebuild in its 13-year career. On November 15, 1886, the Lucerne departed Ashland, WI with a load of iron ore. It was later spotted by the crew of the steam barge Fred Kelly struggling in a snow storm off Ontonagon then spotted again off Long Island attempting to make the shelter of Chequamegon Bay. On the morning of November 19th, the LaPointe lightkeeper spotted the vessel aground in shallow water off Long Island. When rescuers arrived, they discovered three of the crew ice covered and frozen lashed to the rigging where they attempted to save themselves from the storm. Today the site is a popular dive site and is buoyed annually. The model was created from 2,400 30-megapixel images shot in May of the 2024 season as part of a cooperative WHS and GLSPS project.