Wreck Report: JAMES H. REED

Identification & Site Information

•Name: JAMES H. REED

•Official Number: 77589

•Type: Steam Screw Bulk Propeller Ship

•Year Built: May 28, 1903

•Place Built: Wyandotte, Michigan (Detroit Shipbuilding Company)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 448 feet (136.6 meters)

•Beam: 52.2 feet (15.9 meters)

•Depth: 29 feet (8.8 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 5,598 tons

•Home Port: Duluth, Minnesota

•Coordinates: Approximately 20 miles north of Conneaut, Ohio, in Lake Erie

•Lies: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The JAMES H. REED was a steel-hulled steam screw bulk propeller ship, built to transport bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. Measuring 448 feet in length, it was one of the larger freighters of its time, exemplifying the industrial strength and technological advancements in Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century.

History

The JAMES H. REED was launched on May 28, 1903, and served the Great Lakes region for over 40 years. Operating out of Duluth, Minnesota, the vessel transported critical cargoes such as iron ore and grain, connecting industrial and agricultural hubs across the region.

On April 27, 1944, the ship met its tragic end. While navigating Lake Erie, approximately 20 miles north of Conneaut, Ohio, the JAMES H. REED collided with the Canadian Steamer ASHCROFT. The collision was catastrophic, leading to the vessel’s sinking and the loss of 12 crew members. The incident underscored the inherent dangers of navigating the busy shipping lanes of the Great Lakes, particularly during wartime when vessels operated under heightened pressures.

Final Disposition

The JAMES H. REED sank immediately after the collision, coming to rest on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Erie. The wreck is located approximately 20 miles north of Conneaut, Ohio, and remains a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•While no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck, its location is marked on nautical charts as a point of interest for divers and historians.

•Mariners navigating near the area are advised to consult updated charts for safety.

Located By & Date

The sinking of the JAMES H. REED and its circumstances are well-documented in records such as the Merchant Vessel List, U.S.A. 1945, and the Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding Master List, preserved by the Institute for Great Lakes Research in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Erie, with its condition presumed to be well-preserved due to the depth and cold freshwater environment. Accessible primarily to experienced divers, the wreck may still hold valuable artifacts and structural elements reflective of its time. Further exploration could provide more insight into its current state and the events surrounding its loss.

Resources & Links

•Merchant Vessel List, U.S.A. 1945

•Institute for Great Lakes Research, Perrysburg, Ohio

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Maritime History

Tags

#GreatLakesShipwrecks

#LakeErie

#SteamScrew

#BulkCarrier

#MaritimeHistory

#ShipwreckResearch

Conclusion

The JAMES H. REED was a prominent Bulk Carrier that served the Great Lakes shipping industry for over four decades. Its tragic end on April 27, 1944, following a collision with the ASHCROFT, marked a significant loss not only of the vessel but also of 12 crew members. Today, the wreck serves as a historical site of interest, offering a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes during an era of immense industrial activity. The ship’s story reflects both the economic importance and the human cost of maritime trade on the Great Lakes.