If We Make It 'til Daylight: The Story of Frank Mays

by Frank Mays, Pat Stayer, Jim Stayer

Book by Frank Mays, Pat Stayer, Jim Stayer, Tim Juhl

Genres: Nonfiction

223 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jon Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased my copy of this book in trade paperback in Sault Ste. Marie, MI when visiting the area in July 2023. This book tells the story of the tragedy involving the breakup and sinking of the steamship "Carl D. Bradley" during a storm on Lake Michigan in November 1958. I have to admit that most of the reason I purchased the book was due to the name of the ship that sank, since my surname is Bradley as well (turns out there is no relation). The book is told mainly from the perspective of Frank Mays, one of the two men (out of a crew of 35) who survived the sinking. It is not a terrible book, and not a great one, either, but it is a quick read so if you don't like the book it won't take you long to finish it. It tells the story of the ship's sinking, the almost incredible survival of the two crewman on a storm-swept open raft, their rescue by a Coast Guard vessel, and the aftermath of the sinking on the people of the small town of Rogers City, MI where the majority of the sailors who perished lived. In parallel to the tale of survival, the efforts of the Coast Guard and other agencies to locate the ship and rescue its crew are covered. The book also includes appendices about the history of the ship prior to the accident, the discovery and exploration of the ship's remains at the bottom of Lake Michigan, and the accident investigation reports produced by the Coast Guard. On a final note, I provided the image of the book's cover that is in Goodreads. Four out of five stars.

[Cynthia ChadekWalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting telling of the sinking of a freighter, the remarkable survival of two men, the investigation and the effect it had on a town.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started largely as pure adventure., but it jumped the track when it turned into a compilation of all that was published beyond his ken.

[Monie Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story, and I appreciated the addition of search boat crew memories and of the USCG reports. The writing isn't always smooth, but the tale is gripping, and some of the details do convey how harrowing Mays's experience was. I'd recommend it to people interested in life on the water.

[Jimmy Dean ((sharp)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was amazing, I loved every page of it.

[Robin Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing bit of local history. The strength of mind and body to endure such tragedy.