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JANUARY PAGE 3 TWO NOTABLE RESCUES ON LAKE ERIE he early days of December, 1909 were notable in lake navigation not only for the severe and unusual storms which swept the lakes and the loss of life on Lake Erie, but aiso for two feats of brilliant seaman- ship. The two are outstanding among the many which have marked the hand- ling of big lake steamers. They are so perfect in their finish and work- manship as to be worthy of the com- mendation and admiration of sailors everywhere. The handling of these big ships by their masters perpet- ually amaze the deep sea sailor who is accustomed to ample sea room and comfottable channels. It is no dis- paragement to say that even the most skillful coast pilot would absolute- ly refuse to undertake some of the things which are matters of every day to the lake skipper. It is mere- ly that the coast skipper has not grown up amidst the conditions that are peculiar to the lakes. The ma- neuvering of big ships in narrow channels and crowded harbors, loaded and light, many times but with a few inches of water under him is an every day occurance for the lake master and has resulted in a skill that is unequaled in the world. Among the dangerous spots negoti- ated in all weathers, and not always without anxiety, is the Pelee Pass- age. It is marked at the easterly end by the Southeast Shoal Light- vessel. Loss of the Clarion On the evening of December 8, the Anchor Line steamer CLARION, a pack- age freighter of the older type, was eastward bound and loaded. She took fire to the westward of the light- ship, and it was found impossible to get the fire under control. The wind was about W.S.W. and blowing a gale with the weather intensely cold. Twelve of her crew got away in one of the boats and were never seen again. The remaining six attempted to launch the second boat, but it was stove in, and lost. The blazing hull drifted broadside and to the leeward of the lightvessel, passing it close aboard. The crew of the lightvessel was helpless to offer assistance as their own vessel was coated with ice and demanded all of their attention. The crew of three could not have gotten a boat over even if their duties would have per- mitted them leaving the lightship. At about 8:30 P. M. the steamer L.C. HANNA, downbound and loaded, passed the lightship and shortly sighted the burning CLARION. By this time the CLARION had drifted about a mile to the eastward of the lightship. As our diagram will show, the HANNA' s NOTE: Contrary to a popular story, the CLARION was not carrying a deck load of locomotives at the time of the disaster. There would not have been enough room aboard for such a deck cargo. Also most of the locomotive building was done in the east and the CLARION was east bound from Chicago to Buffalo.