Identification & Site Information

• Name: JOHN M. OSBORNE (also spelled OSBORN)
• Type: Wooden Steam Barge
• Year Built: 1882
• Builder: Morley & Hill, Marine City, Michigan
• Owner: W.C. Richardson, Ashtabula, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length 178 feet (54.3 meters), Beam 32 feet (9.75 meters), Depth 14 feet (4.3 meters)
• Location: Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: N46° 51.58’, W85° 5.12’
• Depth: 180 feet (54.9 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The JOHN M. OSBORNE was a wooden steam Barge designed to transport bulk freight, particularly iron ore, across the Great Lakes. These steam barges were workhorses of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the late 19th century, towing additional barges and carrying heavy cargoes efficiently. The vessel was powered by a steam engine and featured a coal bunker and single-stack propulsion system.

History

The JOHN M. OSBORNE launched in 1882 and was a reliable cargo carrier, primarily transporting iron ore from Lake Superior to industrial ports in Ohio. On July 27, 1884, the vessel departed Marquette, Michigan, towing two barges loaded with iron ore, bound for Ashtabula, Ohio. Heavy fog blanketed Whitefish Bay, creating challenging navigation conditions.

In the early hours, the OSBORNE collided with the Canadian Steamer ALBERTA, which tore a significant gash in the wooden Hull of the OSBORNE. Despite efforts to save the crew, four men from the OSBORNE and one from the ALBERTA perished in the tragedy. The ALBERTA remained lodged in the OSBORNE for a time, allowing most of the OSBORNE’s crew to board. After separating, the OSBORNE sank quickly into the depths of Whitefish Bay.

The ALBERTA, infamous for its collisions, had already been involved in two major accidents earlier that year, and the incident further cemented its troubled reputation.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the JOHN M. OSBORNE was discovered in 1984 in 170-180 feet of water, approximately 6 miles west-northwest of Whitefish Point, Lake Superior. The ship remains a remarkably preserved time capsule, offering divers a unique glimpse into Great Lakes shipping history. The intact bow, anchors, and unusual engine design are highlights for underwater exploration. The coal bunker often retains some of its original cargo.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The JOHN M. OSBORNE is accessible to technical divers due to its depth. The wreck is considered one of the best-preserved wooden freighters from the 1880s, making it a popular site for advanced diving expeditions. While the pilot house and cabins are no longer present, other features, such as the engine, Deck winches, and collapsed Stern cabins, provide compelling exploration opportunities.

A mooring line is typically attached to the wreck, allowing divers to descend directly to the site. Visibility is generally good, but divers should be prepared for the cold water temperatures and currents typical of Lake Superior.

Significance

The JOHN M. OSBORNE is an important artifact of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its tragic loss in 1884 reflects the hazards of maritime trade during an era when navigation technology was limited, and fog presented a deadly challenge. The preservation of the wreck offers invaluable insights into ship construction and cargo transport during the late 1800s.

Resources & Links

• •Advanced Diver Mag – Articles and photographs of the OSBORNE wreck by Vlada Dekina/Tom Wilson.
• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Detailed ship histories and archival records.
• •David Swayze Shipwreck File – Comprehensive information on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• •Shipwreck Explorers – Diving and exploration of Great Lakes wrecks.
• •Great Lakes Underwater – Resources on the history and condition of Lake Superior wrecks.
• •3D Shipwrecks – John M. Osborne
• •Flickr Wooden Model Shots – Artistic recreations of wooden freighters like the OSBORNE.

3D Model – John M. Osborne

John M. Osborn by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords

JOHN M. OSBORNE, Wooden Steam Barge, Whitefish Bay Shipwreck, Lake Superior Wrecks, 19th-Century Freighter, Great Lakes Iron Ore Transport, Maritime Collision, Diving Site Lake Superior.