On June 22, 1887, the steamer Champlain was leaving from Chicago bound for Cheboygan, with 57 people on board, horses and other merchandise.
It was captained by George G. Lucas. He was born in Ohio and sailed the Great Lakes for almost three decades.
Captain Lucas moved to Petoskey in 1884 to be a dock master before returning to the water at the wheel of the Champlain.
The Petoskey Record reported that the Champlain caught fire on Lake Michigan when an engine room lamp exploded. The fire spread quickly and rendered the water pumps useless for suppression.
The engineer in the room at that time also caught on fire and rushed to the upper deck. He was thrown into a water tank by another crew member.
The Champlain set course for Fisherman Island but ran aground on a sand bank.
Captain Lucas and others helped passengers get into life preservers. But they were unable to launch the two lifeboats and rafts because of the fire.
Both of the ship's co-captains were the last to leave the ship. Captain Lucas tried to help as many folks in the water as possible but he began to cramp, and then drowned in the chilly Lake Michigan water.
His body was found a mile from the Fisherman Island shore.
Passengers like Ella Wilson also helped others get to shore from the water, earning commendations for her efforts and bravery.
These details were found in the Petoskey Record and the booklet “Lost at Sea” by Renee Tanner.
