IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: S.K. Martin (formerly City of St. Joseph)

• Vessel Type: Steam Screw

• Built: 1883, Benton Harbor, Michigan

• Home Port: Chicago, Illinois

• Dimensions:

• Length: 152 feet (46.3 meters)

• Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 302 tons

• Net Tonnage: 240 tons

• Location of Incident: Near Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie

• Date of Incident: 1912 (exact date unspecified)

• Coordinates: Not specifically available

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The S.K. Martin was a Steam Screw Vessel, a design that utilized a screw propeller for propulsion, making it a reliable choice for Great Lakes transportation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially christened the City of St. Joseph, the vessel was robustly constructed to handle both passenger and cargo transport, reflecting the diverse needs of the bustling Great Lakes shipping network.

HISTORY

Launched in 1883 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the S.K. Martin (then City of St. Joseph) operated out of Chicago, Illinois, serving as a critical link in the transportation and trade routes of the Great Lakes. For nearly three decades, the vessel demonstrated its durability and utility, navigating the often unpredictable conditions of the inland seas.

In 1912, after years of service, the vessel was renamed S.K. Martin. That same year, it met its end near Erie, Pennsylvania. Despite the foundering, all 12 individuals on board were safely rescued, highlighting the crew’s preparedness and the successful execution of emergency procedures. The exact cause of the vessel’s sinking remains undocumented.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The S.K. Martin Foundered in Lake Erie near Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1912. While no lives were lost, the incident marked the end of the vessel’s service. The ship was declared a Total Loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the S.K. Martin wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck’s location has not been determined or documented. No GPS coordinates are available.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given the passage of time since the vessel’s sinking in 1912, the wreck’s condition is likely to be poor, with minimal structural integrity remaining. The site is not known as a diving destination, and its exact location and accessibility are uncertain.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Additional archives related to shipwrecks on Lake Erie

TAGS

• #SKMartin

• #CityOfStJoseph

• #SteamScrew

• #Shipwreck

• #GreatLakesShipwrecks

• #LakeErie

CONCLUSION

The loss of the S.K. Martin near Erie, Pennsylvania, underscores the inherent risks of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Despite the vessel’s robust construction and long service life, it ultimately succumbed to the challenges of open water. The safe evacuation of all 12 persons on board speaks to the importance of preparedness and effective emergency response, ensuring that lives were not lost. The S.K. Martin remains a notable part of Great Lakes maritime history, symbolizing the resilience and ingenuity of its era.