Identification & Site Information:

• Name(s): J. H. Jones
• Registry: Canada
• Official Number: C 90769
• Vessel Type: Coastal Steamer
• Year Built: 1888
• Year Sank: 1906
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: None (Engine details are builder-specific but no longer operational)
• Dimensions: Length: 107 ft (32.6 m)Width: 21 ft (6.4 m)Depth: 9 ft (2.7 m)

Vessel Type

The J. H. Jones was a wooden coastal Steamer designed to transport passengers and cargo along the shores of the Great Lakes. Its compact size and design were ideal for serving smaller ports and navigating shallower waters.

Built in 1888, the J. H. Jones was constructed for coastal service, providing a vital link between smaller communities and larger shipping networks. Powered by a steam engine manufactured by the John Doty Engine Co., the vessel served for 18 years before meeting its fate.

On November 22, 1906, the J. H. Jones sank during a gale on Lake Huron while attempting to reach Cape Croker, Ontario. The ship was reportedly overloaded with cargo and passengers, contributing to its inability to withstand the storm. Tragically, all aboard were lost, marking one of the region’s significant maritime disasters.

Final Dispositions

The wreck of the J. H. Jones rests in 165 ft (50.3 m) of water off Cape Croker, Ontario.

• The Hull remains largely intact, though the upper cabin structures are missing, with wreckage scattered primarily on the port side.
• Artifacts like the wheel, telegraph, and compass are absent, possibly lost during the sinking or removed over time.
• The whistle remains attached to the stack, and the builder’s plate from the John Doty Engine Co. is still affixed to the engine.
• The propeller is buried up to the hub, and no other significant machinery components are visible.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck site has been identified and documented, though the exact GPS coordinates are unpublished to protect the site from unauthorized access and looting. It remains a site of historical interest and solemn remembrance for those lost in the tragedy.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Due to its depth, the wreck is accessible only to advanced technical divers equipped for deep-water exploration. The site is a protected underwater cultural resource, and divers must adhere to guidelines for preserving its historical integrity.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Historical Society: J. H. Jones
• Great Lakes Vessels: J. H. Jones
• 3DShipwrecks – J.H. Jones
• Global News – Relocating
• Jefflindsay.ca

3D Model J.H. Jones

JH Jones by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Shipwreck J. H. Jones by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: J. H. Jones, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Cape Croker, Coastal Steamer, Maritime Disaster

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Coastal Vessels

Glossary: Builder’s Plate, Whistle, Stack, Port Side, Deep-Water Wreck