AKA Three-Masted Schooner Wreck: St. Clair River, Sarnia, Ontario

Identification & Site Information:

• Name: John Martin
• Year Built: 1873
• Official Number: 75717
• Construction: Wooden Hull with a single Deck
• Builder: Quayle & Martin
• Built at: Cleveland, Ohio
• Original Owner: Bradley et al., Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 220.16 feet (67.1 meters); Beam: 34.16 feet (10.4 meters); Depth: 14.16 feet (4.3 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 938.79
• Net Tonnage: 890.87
• Number of Masts: 3

Vessel Type

Wooden Schooner-Barge

Description

The John Martin was a wooden Schooner-Barge constructed in 1873 by the shipbuilding firm Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio. Designed for bulk cargo transport, she featured a single Deck and was rigged with three masts. With a length of 220.16 feet (67.1 meters), a beam of 34.16 feet (10.4 meters), and a depth of 14.16 feet (4.3 meters), the John Martin had a Gross Tonnage of 938.79 and a Net Tonnage of 890.87. She was initially owned by Bradley et al. of Cleveland, Ohio.

History

Launched on August 5, 1873, the John Martin was enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, and began her service primarily in the iron ore and grain trades on the Great Lakes. Throughout her operational life, she was frequently towed by steamers, including the Selah Chamberlain, E.B. Hale, and H.B. Chisholm. The vessel experienced several maritime incidents:

• October 23, 1876: Aground at Neebish Rapids, St. Mary’s River.
• October 1884: Broke loose from tow of Steamer Selah Chamberlain and grounded at Duluth Piers; released undamaged. 
• June 1889: Collided with Schooner Kewenaw in St. Mary’s River; later that month, ashore above Encampment Island, Lake Superior; released and taken to Cleveland for overhaul.
• October 1898: Lost from tow of Henry Chisholm on Lake Superior; recovered by Steamer Roman and towed to Sault Ste. Marie.

These incidents reflect the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during that era, with vessels often encountering treacherous conditions and navigational hazards.

Final Disposition

On September 21, 1900, while under tow of the Steamer Maurice P. Grover and carrying a cargo of iron ore, the John Martin collided with the steel Steamer Yuma in the St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot, Michigan. The collision occurred just below the wreck site of the Fontana, another vessel that had sunk earlier that year. The impact caused the John Martin to sink rapidly, resulting in the loss of four lives: Captain James Lawless, Mate William Ross, Cook Mrs. Bacon, and a sailor named Charles Reister. The wreckage obstructed the shipping channel and was subsequently cleared to ensure safe navigation.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the John Martin was located shortly after the sinking in the St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot, Michigan. Due to its obstruction of the navigational channel, efforts were made to clear the wreckage to restore safe passage for other vessels.

Diving Features

The Three-Masted Schooner Wreck offers divers a compelling blend of history, challenging conditions, and natural beauty.

• Wreck Structure and Features:
  • The Schooner’s skeletal remains and fragmented structure are preserved on the riverbed.
  • The wreck attracts diverse marine life, serving as an Artificial Reef and providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
  • Key features, such as the ship’s ribs and masts, provide a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into its past.
• Diving Conditions:
  • Depth: The site ranges from 65 to 80 feet, requiring divers to be comfortable with moderate depths.
  • Currents: The St. Clair River is known for strong currents, posing significant challenges even for experienced divers.
  • Visibility: Variable; divers should be prepared for limited Visibility depending on current strength and sediment disturbance.
• Access:
  • The site is accessible from shore, making it convenient for divers with proper planning and preparation.
• Safety Considerations:
  • Strong Currents: Divers must be skilled in handling currents and maintaining buoyancy control.
  • Boating Traffic: As a major waterway, the St. Clair River sees heavy boat traffic. Proper signaling devices, such as dive flags, are essential.
• Dive Planning: Careful navigation and orientation are required due to the wreck’s size and potential for disorientation in currents.

Maritime Significance

The wreck of the Three-Masted Schooner offers a snapshot of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. It reflects the challenges of navigating congested waterways during an era of industrial expansion and evolving ship technology. The collision highlights the precarious coexistence of sail and steam during this transitional period.

Diving Tips

• Skill Level: This dive is highly advanced, requiring divers with extensive experience in handling strong currents and low-Visibility conditions.
• Equipment: Use a reliable underwater navigation tool, a strong dive light, and a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety.
• Plan Ahead: Monitor weather and waterway conditions. Dive with a buddy familiar with current-heavy environments.

Preservation and Respect

As an underwater grave, the Three-Masted Schooner Wreck demands respect. Divers should avoid disturbing the wreck or removing artifacts, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Mariners navigating the St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot are advised to be aware of the historical wreck site of the John Martin. While the main obstruction has been cleared, remnants may still pose hazards, and caution is recommended.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: John Martin
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: John Martin
• Naval Marine Archive: Quayle & Sons Shipbuilders

The John Martin’s service on the Great Lakes exemplifies the era’s maritime commerce and the inherent risks faced by vessels and their crews. Her history, marked by multiple incidents and a tragic sinking, contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime heritage.