Shipwreck Report: JAMES C. KING

Identification & Site Information

• • Name: JAMES C. KING
• • Type: Schooner Barge
• • Year Built: 1867
• • Official Number: Not available
• • Construction: Originally built as a Bark, later re-rigged as a Schooner
• • Hull Material: Wood
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 175.3 feet (53.4 meters)
• • Beam: 33.0 feet (10.1 meters)
• • Depth: 12.9 feet (3.9 meters)
• • Tonnage:
• • Gross Tonnage: 512.20
• • Net Tonnage: 486.59
• • Final Location: Near Russel Island, Tobermory, Ontario, Lake Huron
• • Coordinates: N45° 16.069′ W081° 42.543′
• • Depth Range: 22 – 93 feet (7 – 28 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The JAMES C. KING was a wooden-hulled Schooner Barge originally constructed as a Bark in 1867. It was later re-rigged to meet the changing demands of maritime trade. The vessel was used for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber and coal, which were vital to the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.

History

Construction and Early Service

• • Built in 1867, the JAMES C. KING was initially a Bark-rigged vessel, later converted into a Schooner for versatility in towing and trade.
• • With its robust wooden construction and significant cargo capacity, the vessel became an essential part of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the late 19th century.

Operational Challenges

• • Like many Schooner barges of its time, the JAMES C. KING faced the inherent risks of being towed across the sometimes treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
• • Over the years, the vessel underwent repairs and modifications to extend its operational life.

Final Voyage

• • The JAMES C. KING met its end near Russel Island, close to Tobermory, Ontario. Exact details of the wrecking event are unclear, but it likely succumbed to rough weather or towing-related incidents.
• • The vessel now lies in Lake Huron at depths ranging from 22 to 93 feet, a testament to the perils faced by Great Lakes sailors.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the JAMES C. KING rests near Russel Island in varying depths, offering a glimpse into 19th-century maritime life. It serves as a preserved example of the wooden Schooner Barge’s critical role in the Great Lakes’ economic history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• • Condition: The wreck is well-preserved given its age, with portions of the wooden Hull and rigging still visible. The varying depths allow divers to explore different sections of the ship.
• • Accessibility: The site is accessible to divers, with depths accommodating a range of experience levels. However, divers should be aware of weather and currents typical of Lake Huron.

Resources & Links

• • Save Ontario Shipwrecks: https://saveontarioshipwrecks.ca
• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• • Fathom Five National Marine Park: Information about the region’s shipwrecks and dive sites.

Legacy

The JAMES C. KING embodies the challenges and resilience of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. As a critical link in the supply chain, it contributed to the region’s industrial growth. Today, its wreck serves as a valuable site for divers and historians, preserving the maritime heritage of Lake Huron and Tobermory’s iconic waters.

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