When a distress call came from the SS Carl D. Bradley at around 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 18, 1958 as it was passing near the Beaver Island group in Lake Michigan, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew in Charlevoix launched into action.
In stormy waters, the Sundew searched for hours. Dick Selissen, a 19-year-old cook, was the one who spotted something amidst the churning waves. Clinging to a life raft were First Mate Elmer Fleming, 43, and deck watchman Frank Mays, 26. They were the only survivors of the 35-man crew.
The tragedy echoed around the region, but struck Rogers City, about 80 miles east of Charlevoix, the hardest. Twenty-three of the crew called Rogers City home.
Now, 67 years later, Rogers City will pay respects to the vessel that saved Fleming and Mays.
“The Sundew searched for survivors in merciless conditions,” said Karen Goddard, executive director of the Presque Isle County Historical Museum, in a press release. “The wind shredded its flags, its seasick crew members tied themselves to the ship’s furniture. Ultimately, their search-and-rescue mission pulled eight bodies and two survivors from the water. They were the heroes of that awful night. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to commemorate their efforts.”
According to event organizers, the former USCG Sundew is privately owned by former Minnesota trucking executive Jeff Foster and is now known as SUNDEW WLB 404 LLC. The ship, which is 82 years old, will visit Rogers City for a public ceremony at Lakeside Park on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The ceremony will include a proclamation by Mayor Scott McClennan. The Bradley’s bell, which was salvaged from its wreckage in 2007, will be rung once for every crewman lost in the tragic sinking.
The Presque Isle County Historical Museum and the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum will announce the time of the ceremony on their social media pages on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The public is welcome to attend, and refreshments will be served at the end of the ceremony.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Former USCG Cutter Sundew to take part in SS Carl D. Bradley ceremony Aug. 5
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review | USA TODAY Network
