Wreck of the Carl D: A True Story of Loss, Survival and Rescue at Sea

by Michael Schumacher

By the author of Mighty Fitz , the dramatic account of the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley on Lake Michigan, published on the fiftieth anniversary of the wreck.

At approximately 5:30 P.M. on November 18, 1958, the Carl D. Bradley , a 623-foot limestone carrier caught in one of the most violent storms in Lake Michigan history, snapped in two and sank within minutes. Four of the thirty-five man crew escaped to a small raft, where they hung on in total darkness, braving massive waves and frigid temperatures. As the storm raged on, a search-and-rescue mission hunted for survivors, while the frantic citizens of nearby Rogers City, the tiny Michigan hometown to twenty-six members of the Bradley crew, anxiously awaited word of their loved ones' fates.

In Wreck of the Carl D ., Michael Schumacher reconstructs, in dramatic detail, the tragic accident, the perilous search-and-rescue mission, and the chilling aftermath for the small town so intimately affected by the tragedy. A fitting tribute to a powerful ship, the men who died aboard it, and the town that still mourns its loss, Schumacher's compelling follow up to Mighty Fitz is a wonderful addition to the literature of the Great Lakes and maritime history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Survival, Autobiography, Audiobook, Maritime

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2008

About the author

A lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region, Michael Schumacher is the author of twelve books, including biographies of Allen Ginsberg, Phil Ochs, and Eric Clapton, and the award-winning book Wreck of the Carl D. He has also written twenty-five documentaries on Great Lakes shipwrecks and lighthouses.

Reviews

[Kaleb Essink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I purchased it when visiting the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and had no expectations when I opened it up. The author, Michael Schumacher, does a fantastic job telling the story of the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley in present tense which is marvelous because it makes the story of survival come alive, rather than simply a reciting of the facts of the wreck.

I think the Carl D. Bradley has been neglected in the study of Great Lakes history due of course, to the much more famous sinking 17 years later, of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I believe that the Fitzgerald is a more popular story due to the mystery surrounding the wreck with no survivors. However, I find the Bradley very compelling because of the presence of the two survivors, Elmer Fleming and Frank Mays.

Hearing the story of their survival after the tragic sinking had me on the edge of my seat. There were quite a few times where I had tears in my eyes, most notably with the death of Dennis Meredith aboard the life boat. This book is a great read because it appeals to both historians and those who are interested in the thrill of survivor stories. I heartily recommend it.

[Jerry Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same author as "The Mighty Fitz" and very much the same subject matter. This is perhaps the better of the two, although they are similar in approach as well as in subject.

The difference between this story and that of the Edmund Fitzgerald, is that this disaster had survivors. Not many, but at least we know the story this time, instead of having to guess as to what sank the ship.

Once again I am amazed at how treacherous the waters of the Great Lakes seem to be in the winter and during storms, and how the hardworking ships that sail there often seem to succumb to the power of those waves.

An interesting read, sad, somehow not that enlightening.

[John Zempel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well reseached and written book about a piece of tragic Great Lakes history. The story is very personal for me as Rogers City is were I grew up. I was quite young when we lost the Carl D but the families left behind were familiar to me as I grew up. Seeing their names and reading their stories was heart wrenching. Yet it serves as tribute to the souls lost, the survivors and their families and to the spirit of a small close knit community of Rogers City. It is a story that deserves to be told and retold to honor the memory of the lost sailors, their families and survivors so they will not be forgotten.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent book; very well researched. What I liked best was getting to know the crew and their family. Makes it more heartbreaking but brings a dose of reality to the story. The author also has an extensive epilogue, to fill us in on the lives of the widows afterward, the search for the Carl D, the diving efforts, etc. Great book.

[Nick S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The set of pictures and their captions, which appear about halfway through, describe some details that don’t come up in the narrative until later on. So if you’d prefer to learn about the events chronologically, I’d suggest waiting to look at the pictures until after finishing the book.

Overall though it was an interesting, well-researched book.

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Michael Schumacher book about shipwrecks on the Great Lakes that I have read recently. It did not disappoint, in fact, it was the best page turner of the three. The drama he was able to add to the event was possible partly because two men survived the wreck. But Mr. Schumacher also does his homework as is evident in the details. Great writer; awesome book!

[Christopher Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew a little bit about the Carl Bradley, but wanted to have a deeper dive and this book did the trick. I especially appreciated the time the author took describing the individual crew members and the impact of the incident on the community of Rogers City. I found this read to be informative and emotional.

[Val Crofts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. Its a biography of the Bradley, but also of the families and of Rogers City, Michigan, which is a very special place for me. this would make a fabulous movie. The book was gripping and so well done!!

[Curtis Anthony Bozif · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still, Schumacher's book, November's Fury, is by far my favorite of his Great Lakes shipwreck books, but this one and Mighty Fitz are good runner up. Torn In Two was my least favorite of these books.

[Sean Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley, a 623 foot long ship on November 18, 1958 and the devastating impacts the catastrophe had on Rogers City, Michigan. The detailed discussion of the survival of Elmer Fleming and Frank Mays after a long night on a raft in frigid waters is an amazing survial story. Although the final answer may never been known, it appears the ship should not have been sailing during hurricane type weather in November but decisions regaring the tradeoffs of business interests and welfare of employees is a daily one that is easy to second guess after the fact.

[Shawn Marie Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Schumacher's detailed account of the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley on November 28, 1958 was so inspiring that I have started an art project to honor the men who perished with the ship.

Young deckhand, Richard J. Book, became my muse, and Michael included just enough information that it was easy to find Richard's brother Mel, in Earling, Iowa. I went to meet him and his lovely wife, Bernice this past summer (2009) and to see where Richard grew up, and where he was laid to rest.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carl D. Bradley went down in Lake Michigan when I was in the third grade. I remember it clearly because of the drama and uncertainty of survivors. This is a very well-documented and well-written account of the disaster when the 623-foot limestone carrier was caught in a violent storm and went down swiftly. Only two of the 35 crewman survived. If you enjoy true adventure, this is a book for you.

[Debra Jarus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and interesting.

I've read books about Great Lakes freighters since I was a child. One of the shipwrecks most intetesting to me was that of the Carl D. Bradley. By focusing on Rogers City, where most of the crew was from, the story of the wreck became more poignant, and fleshed out this tragedy.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like "small time" or "small event" history, this was a good read. Short, to the point, little waffling and a good (but tragic) story. The story covers the loss of a limestone boat on Lake Michigan in 1958. Missed rescue chances exacerbate the tragedy of the whole thing.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book for anyone who has ties to the Great Lakes. Michael Schumacker's intrest and reserch gave me such respect for the men who rist their lives in the shipping industry. And even more resspect for the brave meen who gave their lives.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the social and commercial life of Rogers City, Michigan, and Great Lakes shipping. Also a story of heroic rescue and survival.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to the audio performance of the sinking of the Carl D Bradley. The author, through detailed research, brings the victims, their families, and their community to life.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book. Where a boat going down affects the whole town. And changes everything. It's a long book, but I highly recommend it.

[Lola McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner. Especially meaningful as I travel through Michigan.