Shipwreck Report: J.H. Sheadle

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: J.H. Sheadle

• Type: Steam Bulk Freighter

• Location: Thunder Bay, Lake Huron (near Alpena, Michigan)

• Coordinates: Specific GPS coordinates not readily available.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

• Built: 1906

• Builder: West Bay City Shipbuilding Company, West Bay City, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 504 feet

• Beam: 54 feet

• Depth: 28 feet

• Hull Material: Steel

• Tonnage: 6,322 gross tons

HISTORY OF THE J.H. SHEADLE

The J.H. Sheadle was a Great Lakes freighter designed for bulk cargo transportation, particularly iron ore, coal, and grain, which were vital to the economic engine of the region during the early 20th century. The vessel served primarily in the interlake trade routes, connecting major industrial centers around the Great Lakes.

FINAL VOYAGE AND SINKING

Date of Loss

• November 9, 1922

Cause of Loss

• The J.H. Sheadle sank after colliding with the Steamer D.M. Clemson during a gale in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron.

• Conditions: Poor Visibility and rough weather contributed to the collision.

Outcome

• Crew: The entire crew of the J.H. Sheadle survived. Lifeboats were launched, and nearby vessels assisted in the rescue.

• Cargo: The ship was reportedly empty, having just completed a delivery.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE WRECK

• Depth: The wreck lies in shallow to moderate depths, accessible to divers.

• Condition:

• The steel Hull and structural components are well-preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron.

• Significant portions of the Hull and Deck machinery remain intact.

• The wreck serves as a habitat for marine life.

• Visibility: Varies depending on weather conditions and sediment levels in Thunder Bay.

SIGNIFICANCE IN MARITIME HISTORY

The J.H. Sheadle is a prime example of the “steel freighters” that revolutionized bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its loss underscores the risks faced by early 20th-century mariners, even aboard modern vessels, as they navigated harsh weather and busy shipping lanes.

The wreck is also part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a region renowned for its numerous well-preserved shipwrecks, making it a valuable site for maritime historians and recreational divers alike.

DIVE INFORMATION

• Accessibility:

• The wreck is protected as part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and diving permits or specific regulations may apply.

• Accessible for recreational divers with advanced certifications due to potential depth and cold water.

• Points of Interest:

• The ship’s bow, Deck structures, and possible remnants of machinery.

• Historical artifacts, such as the steering mechanism or remnants of the ship’s navigation system.

• Safety Considerations:

• Cold water and potential currents in Thunder Bay.

• Be mindful of conservation regulations to preserve the wreck’s integrity.

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the J.H. Sheadle serves as a tangible link to the industrial heritage of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by early freighters navigating these inland seas. Its location in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary makes it an important site for both historical research and recreational diving.