Identification & Site Information:

• • Name(s): Jane Miller
• • Registry: Canada
• • Official Number: 78022
• • Vessel Type: Coastal Steamer
• • Year Built: 1879
• • Year Sank: 1881
• • Hull Material: Wood
• • Engines: One double expansion steam engine
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 78 ft (23.8 m)
• • Width: 18 ft (5.5 m)
• • Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)

Vessel Type

The Jane Miller was a small wooden coastal Steamer designed for passenger and cargo transport along the shores of the Great Lakes. These vessels were vital for connecting communities and facilitating trade in the late 19th century.

Description

Built in 1879, the Jane Miller was a relatively new vessel when it sank in 1881. It had a short but active career, serving as a link for coastal towns. The vessel’s double expansion steam engine provided efficient propulsion, and its compact design allowed it to navigate shallow ports and narrow waterways.

The Jane Miller sank during a violent storm on November 25, 1881, while carrying passengers and cargo from Meaford, Ontario, across Georgian Bay. The tragedy resulted in the loss of all 28 people aboard, making it one of the most significant maritime disasters in Georgian Bay’s history.

Final Dispositions

The wreck lies at a depth of 150 ft (45.7 m) in Lake Huron near Ontario.

• The Hull is intact, though the upper cabins have collapsed.

• The pilot house, which was initially collapsed around the ship’s wheel, has been disturbed, exposing the wheel and bell.

• Three of the lifeboat davits remain upright, and the mast is intact, including its top.

• The site contains a cache of personal and commercial artifacts, such as glassware and dishes, mostly buried under silt and encrusted with invasive mussels.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was discovered in 2017 by a team of maritime archaeologists and has since been documented for its historical significance. The exact coordinates remain undisclosed to protect the site from unauthorized exploration.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The depth and condition of the Jane Miller require advanced diving skills, as the wreck lies at 150 ft. Divers must also be prepared to navigate silty conditions that can affect Visibility. The site is protected, and the removal of artifacts is strictly prohibited to preserve its historical and cultural value.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Historical Society: Jane Miller
• Steamboat Stories: Jane Miller
• 3DShipwrecks – Jane Miller

3D Model – Jane Miller

Jane Miller by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: Jane Miller, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Georgian Bay, Coastal Steamer, Maritime Disaster

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Steam-Powered Vessels

Glossary: Lifeboat Davits, Pilot House, Double Expansion Engine, Intact Hull, Artifact Cache