IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: John B. Ketcham

• Other Names: John B, Ketcham 2, Coalhurst, Greenland, Neebing,

• Type: Wooden Freighter with Derrick

• Built: 1892, Toledo, Ohio

• Builder: Craig Shipbuilding Co.

• Official Number: 77037

• Dimensions:

• Length: 193.4 ft (59 m)

• Beam: 40.5 ft (12.3 m)

• Depth: 13 ft (4 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 908.88 tons

• Net: 779.82 tons

• Final Location: Nipigon Straits, off Moss Island, Lake Superior

• Coordinates: 48° 39.80′ N, 88° 07.80′ W

• Depth: 100 feet (30.5 meters)

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

• Hull: Steel with a single Deck and three bulkheads.

• Engine:

• Type: Steeple Compound Steam Engine

• Cylinders: 22” and 42” diameter

• horsepower: 600 HP at 110 RPM

• Manufacturer: Dry Dock Engine Works (1892)

• Boiler:

• Type: Scotch Boiler

• Dimensions: 11′ 6″ × 13′

• Manufacturer: Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio

• Steam Pressure: 125 pounds

• Capacity: 1,500 tons

HISTORY

Ownership and Operation:

The John B. Ketcham 2nd served in various capacities throughout its life, transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. It changed ownership multiple times, with notable owners including:

• Oscar P. Bills & Edmund B. Koch: Initial owners from Toledo, Ohio.

• Richardson Lumber Co. (Chartered 1902): For timber transport.

• Reid Wrecking Co. and George Hall Coal Co.: Later ownerships that diversified its operations.

Incidents and Modifications:

The vessel experienced several incidents, including:

• Groundings and Collisions: Sustained damage in various accidents but was repaired and returned to service.

• Ownership Changes: Renamed and repurposed multiple times, reflecting its utility across industries.

Final Voyage (September 24, 1937):

• Route: Bound for Red Rock, Ontario, with a cargo of gravel.

• Incident:

• Encountered a gale while navigating Nipigon Strait, Lake Superior.

• The vessel Foundered near Eagle’s Nest Point, sinking in 100 feet of water.

• Casualties: Five out of 14 crew members lost their lives.

CURRENT CONDITION

• Wreck Site:

• The vessel rests upright in 100 feet of water.

• The wooden Hull and machinery are preserved due to Lake Superior’s cold, fresh waters.

• Accessibility:

• A popular dive site for technical divers due to its depth and intact structure.

• The wreck features the engine, boiler, and remains of the derrick, offering insight into early 20th-century shipbuilding.

SIGNIFICANCE

The John B. Ketcham 2nd played a critical role in the Great Lakes maritime industry, serving diverse functions across its operational life. Its sinking highlights the dangers of navigating Lake Superior, particularly during unpredictable weather. The wreck serves as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes sailors and the hazards they faced.

NOTES FOR DIVERS

• Skill Level: Technical diving required due to depth (100 ft / 30.5 m).

• Features of Interest:

• Intact engine and boiler.

• Remnants of the cargo derrick.

• Well-preserved Hull due to cold, fresh water.

• Cautions:

• Strong currents may be present in Nipigon Straits.

• Visibility can vary depending on weather and sediment conditions.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Historical accounts from local newspapers and archives

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the John B. Ketcham 2nd is a significant historical site, offering divers a glimpse into the vessel’s storied past and the challenges of early Great Lakes navigation. Its preservation in Lake Superior’s depths ensures its legacy as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who traversed these waters.

KEYWORDS

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #JohnBKetcham2nd #LakeSuperior #Diving #MaritimeHistoryurst and then Neebing in the same year. The vessel was ultimately owned by Sin-Mac Lines Ltd. in Montreal before its sinking in Lake Superior in 1937.

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