Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Jeska

•Year Built: 1909

•Official Number: 126128

•Type: Steam Barge

•Length: 108 feet (32.92 meters)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.32 meters)

•Depth: 7 feet (2.13 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 189 tons

•Final Location: Fairhaven, New York, Lake Ontario

•Date of Wreck: July 10, 1926

•How: Foundered

•Deaths: None reported

Vessel Type Description

The Jeska was a wooden-hulled steam Barge built by the Davis Drydock Company in Kingston, Ontario. Powered by a 10-20×14 engine manufactured by Selby & Yeldon in Kingston, the vessel was designed for durability and efficiency, meeting the demands of transporting goods across the Great Lakes. With its compact dimensions and 189-ton gross capacity, the Jeska was a typical workhorse of its era, facilitating trade in the bustling maritime corridors of the early 20th century.

History

The Jeska began its service life in 1909, initially owned by J.H. Davis of Kingston, Ontario. Throughout its career, the vessel served as a reliable cargo carrier, moving goods across the Great Lakes without major incidents during its early years.

In 1920, ownership changed hands to J.F. Sowards, also of Kingston, continuing the vessel’s legacy as a dependable means of transportation. For nearly two decades, the Jeska operated efficiently, reflecting the robust design and engineering typical of Great Lakes steam barges.

The Sinking

On July 10, 1926, the Jeska Foundered and sank near Fairhaven, New York. Despite the lack of comprehensive details surrounding the circumstances, it is notable that there were no fatalities reported in the incident. The sinking marked the end of the Jeska’s service, adding it to the long list of vessels lost in the unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario.

Final Disposition

•Date of Wreck: July 10, 1926

•Cause of Loss: Foundered near Fairhaven, New York.

•Condition: The wreck has not been definitively located. The exact cause of the sinking remains unclear, and there are no records indicating salvage or recovery efforts.

Located By & Date

•Located By: Not specified

•Date of Discovery: The wreck’s location remains undetermined, and its final resting place is not marked or well-documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site of the Jeska. Mariners and researchers should consult general advisories and navigation charts for the area around Fairhaven, New York, if exploring the region.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Jeska are presumed to rest at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Ontario near Fairhaven, New York, though their exact condition and accessibility are unknown due to the absence of specific coordinates or exploratory surveys.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource providing historical data on the Jeska and similar vessels.

2.American Bureau of Shipping Records (1922 & 1923): Documents the specifications and operational details of Great Lakes vessels, including the Jeska.

3.Great Lakes Register (1915): Historical reference on ship registrations, ownerships, and classifications.

4.Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection: Archival materials related to Great Lakes maritime history.

Conclusion

The Jeska is an example of the vital role steam barges played in facilitating trade across the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Its nearly two decades of service ended abruptly with its sinking near Fairhaven, New York, in 1926. While the cause of the sinking remains a mystery, the absence of casualties highlights the crew’s preparedness and resilience. The Jeska’s story is part of the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, underscoring the challenges and unpredictability faced by vessels navigating these waters.

Keywords

•Jeska Steam Barge

•Lake Ontario Shipwreck

•Fairhaven Shipwreck

•Great Lakes Maritime History

•Davis Drydock Company

•Early 20th Century Navigation

Glossary

Steam Barge:

A flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged vessel designed for cargo transport, powered by steam engines.

Foundered:

A maritime term indicating the sinking of a ship due to structural failure, weather, or flooding.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs):

Official advisories issued to mariners about navigational hazards and updates to nautical charts.