Shipwreck Report: JUPITER

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: JUPITER

•Type: Wooden Barge

•Year Built: Mid-19th century (specific date unavailable)

•Owner: Capt. E.B. Ward

•Cargo: Iron ore

•Date of Loss: November 1872

•Location: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior

•Crew: All hands lost (6 crew members)

History

The JUPITER was another of Capt. E.B. Ward’s barges, paired with the SATURN for transporting iron ore. Like its sister vessel, the JUPITER was under tow by the steam Tug JOHN A. DIX during the deadly November 1872 storm.

The Barge was cut loose during the gale and driven ashore near Whitefish Point. The waves smashed the vessel to pieces, leaving no chance for the six crew members to survive.

Final Disposition

The JUPITER’s remains are also located near Whitefish Point, embedded in the lakebed and deemed irrecoverable.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation

•David Swayze Shipwreck File