Identification & Site Information:

• Vessel Name: Judge Hart
• Type: Steel Canaller, Bulk Freighter
• Official Number: C146247
• Dimensions: Length: 253 feet (81 meters)
• Location: Ashburton Bay near Marathon, Lake Superior, Canada
• Coordinates: 48° 46.440’ N, 86° 43.552’ W
• Depth:170 feet (52 meters)

Vessel Type Description:

The Judge Hart was a steel-hulled canaller, specifically designed for transporting bulk goods, including coal, ore, and grains, along narrow channels and locks of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Its sturdy construction reflected British shipbuilding excellence, tailored to endure the demanding conditions of maritime trade during the interwar period. Equipped for reliability, the vessel played a vital role in economic development by connecting ports across distant waters.

History:

The Judge Hart was launched in 1923 by J.S. White & Co Ltd. in Cowes, United Kingdom. It served under the Eastern Steamship Co. Ltd. during its initial years, contributing to the global maritime trade by transporting essential commodities across oceans and Great Lakes routes.

Notable Historical Highlights: 1936: Ownership transitioned to the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co. Ltd., signaling its deeper integration into the North American inland maritime network.

Operational Legacy: Over its two-decade service life, the Judge Hart proved indispensable for the transport of bulk goods critical to industry and trade.

Final Voyage: On November 28, 1942, the Judge Hart met its tragic end near Thunder Bay, Ontario, in Lake Superior. The vessel succumbed to severe weather conditions, foundering and sinking in the depths of the lake. Despite its robust design, it could not withstand the relentless forces of nature, ending its career as a vital link in maritime commerce.

Final Disposition:

• The wreck of the Judge Hart rests at a depth of 170 feet (52 meters) in Ashburton Bay near Marathon, Lake Superior.
• The site remains a significant point of interest for maritime historians and divers alike, serving as a stark reminder of the risks of seafaring.

Located By & Date:

The exact date and identity of the initial discoverers are unclear, but the site has been explored extensively by advanced divers, including researchers with interests in Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The wreck lies in cold, clear waters at a depth of 170 feet, making it suitable for technical diving due to the depth and potentially hazardous conditions.

Notable features may include portions of the ship’s Hull and machinery, preserved in the frigid depths of Lake Superior.

Resources & Links:

• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
• Part I: Scanner, v. 25, no. 1 (October 1992)
• Part II: Scanner, v. 25, no. 2 (November 1992)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes vessels and incidents.
• Advanced Diver Magazine: Articles on Great Lakes wreck diving.
• Shipwreck Explorers: Expert accounts and dive planning resources for Lake Superior wrecks.
• Liquid Productions – Becky Kegan Scott: Videography and research on notable shipwrecks.
• Bowling Green State University: Archival resources on Great Lakes vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Vessel History Database

Analysis:

The Judge Hart stands as a testament to the industrial and economic significance of bulk freighters during the early 20th century. Its construction in the United Kingdom and subsequent service in the Great Lakes reflect the global nature of maritime trade and engineering excellence. While its loss in 1942 serves as a somber chapter, the wreck site continues to inspire exploration and historical inquiry into the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.

Photogallery – Jeff Mark on Camera

Tags:#JudgeHart #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #SteelCanaller #BulkFreighter #ShipwreckExploration #AshburtonBay