The Wreck of the Live Yankee: Lessons in Safe Boating from Northern Lakes Boat Company

At Northern Lakes Boat Company in Rapid City, Michigan, we’re more than just a source for premium pontoon rentals on Torch Lake and Elk Lake—we’re passionate about boating safety. A compelling, local shipwreck story from northern Lake Michigan is that of the Live Yankee, a schooner lost in 1869, near Beaver Island. Here’s what happened.

The Live Yankee was a 125-foot, two-masted wooden schooner built in 1854 in Milan, Ohio. For 15 years, she hauled freight, grain, and passengers between ports like Buffalo, Chicago, and Milwaukee. But on November 5, 1869, during a voyage from Milwaukee to Buffalo with 14,000 bushels of wheat aboard, the ship ran into trouble.

Caught in a sudden snow squall, the Live Yankee ran aground on a shoal on the northwest corner of High Island in northern Lake Michigan. The crew was forced to abandon ship and seek refuge on the island. Local Native Americans came to their aid, but sadly, one crew member—Joseph Furnio of Milwaukee—succumbed to exposure and was buried on the island. Without the help they received, the entire crew would likely have perished.

The wreck remained in shallow water—about 12 feet deep and 1,000 feet offshore—until winter storms and ice slowly dismantled it. Today, the wreck is mostly hidden beneath sediment but still lies where it came to rest over 150 years ago.

Rediscovery of the Live Yankee

In 2020, during a routine U.S. Coast Guard helicopter training flight, I spotted a partially exposed wooden keel and ribs, near a remote island. Shifting sands had apparently uncovered the wreck for the first time in perhaps decades.

We circled back to mark the position so that I could check in on her periodically. Eventually, I made it to the remote location, by boat from Beaver Island, to swim the wreck with a friend. It was clear that we had found a historic vessel, but which one? I contacted local shipwreck historian and author Ross Richardson, who later dove the wreck and confidently identified it as the Live Yankee.

I can't help but to point out the tragic irony that this ship's discovery was made by the ideal rescue platform to have hoisted its crew to safety on that November night, if only the timing had been better...

Boating Safety Tips from Northern Lakes Boat Co

As a retired Coast Guard Search and Rescue pilot, licensed captain, sailing instructor, and owner of Northern Lakes Boat Co, I know that boating safety is just as important today as ever. At Northern Lakes Boat Company, we want every renter and boat owner to enjoy safe adventures on Lake Michigan, Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and beyond.

Here are five key boating safety tips inspired by the Live Yankee:

1. Check the Weather—Often

We have weather apps, radar, and forecasts in our pockets—use them! Storms still surprise boaters. Stay alert to changing skies and know your safe harbor options in advance.

2. File a Float Plan

Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. If something goes wrong, they’ll know when and how to call for help.

3. Don’t Rely on a Cell Phone

Always have a VHF marine radio onboard. Channel 16 is monitored by the Coast Guard 24/7. You can always make the CG aware of your situation even if you're not ready to ask for help. By sharing your position and predicament, they will be poised to quickly render assistance if needed.

4. Maintain Situational Awareness

Monitor your location, fuel, depth, weather, and hazards constantly. Boating safely is about staying a step ahead of potential issues.

5. Wear a Life Jacket

Even with warm air temps, Northern Michigan water can be dangerously cold. A life jacket can save your life in the event of an unexpected fall.

Explore Northern Michigan’s Lakes Safely with Us

At Northern Lakes Boat Company, we’re proud to offer luxury pontoon rentals on Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Skegemog, Clam Lake, Intermediate Lake, and the bays near Traverse City. We also offer storage, service, and professional boat detailing.

Book a pontoon boat rental with Northern Lakes Boat Company Today

Ready to enjoy safe, high-quality boating on Michigan's most beautiful inland lakes?

Visit NLBoatCo.comCall us at (231) 645-6522 to reserve your boat, inquire about sales, or learn more about our services.