Identification & Site Information:

•Vessel Name: J.S. Austin (Other Names: D.A. Austin, Joseph S. Austin, J.L. Austin, J.J. Austin)

•Type: Three-Masted Bark

•Built: 1863 by Louis Ryerse in Port Ryerse, Ontario

•Tonnage: 421 tons

•Official Numbers:

•U.S.: 12713

•Canada: 96820

•Dimensions: Not documented

•Last Port of Registry: Initially Port Ryerse, Ontario; later registered in the U.S. and eventually returned to Canada.

•GPS Coordinates: Not available

•Depth: Not specified

•Final Voyage Date: September 5, 1876

•Final Disposition: Abandoned voyage and returned to Quebec due to mechanical issues.

Vessel Type Description:

The J.S. Austin was a robust, three-masted Bark, commonly used for carrying heavy cargo such as timber across the Great Lakes and on transatlantic routes. Its design emphasized durability and efficiency, making it ideal for demanding and long-distance voyages, including those to England. The Bark was a versatile vessel type in the mid-19th century, well-suited to the rough conditions of both the Great Lakes and open seas.

History:

Launched in 1863, the J.S. Austin was a prominent asset for its owners, Ryerse & Austin, valued at $15,000 at the time of its construction. The ship was integral to the Great Lakes trade, primarily transporting timber. It gained recognition for its reliability in fulfilling high-value contracts, such as:

•Transporting pine timber from Lake Huron to England.

•Shipping goods from Lake Michigan to Liverpool under contracts worth $5,500 in gold each.

On its final voyage in 1876, the J.S. Austin faced significant challenges:

•A jammed Centerboard impaired navigation, creating safety concerns.

•The experienced crew of saltwater seamen reportedly panicked, limiting their ability to assist.

Faced with these difficulties, the captain Abandoned the transatlantic voyage and returned to Quebec, where the ship unloaded its cargo. Despite the failed voyage, the vessel earned $8 in gold for transporting goods from Green Bay to Quebec. Ownership of the ship reverted to Canada in 1898, but the vessel’s subsequent fate remains undocumented.

Final Disposition:

The J.S. Austin did not complete its final intended voyage in 1876. Mechanical issues forced its return to port, and while it remained operational for some time, its later years and ultimate disposition are poorly documented. No confirmed wreck site or later activities have been recorded.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the J.S. Austin. Its wreck or subsequent status has not been established as a navigational concern.

Located By & Date:

The wreck of the J.S. Austin has not been identified or located. Its condition and resting place, if applicable, remain unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The condition of the J.S. Austin is undocumented. If a wreck exists, it would require location and survey efforts to determine its accessibility and historical significance. Any such efforts would benefit from coordination with local historical societies or underwater exploration groups.

Resources & Links:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

Additional Notes:

The J.S. Austin underwent several name changes during its career, reflecting the common practice of re-registering vessels as they changed ownership or purpose. Its service highlights the economic importance of the Great Lakes as a hub for shipping timber and other goods during the 19th century. The ship’s eventual transfer back to Canadian ownership underscores the dynamic nature of maritime trade in the region.

Diving Notes & Recommendations:

The J.S. Austin’s wreck, if located, would offer significant value for historical research and exploration. Divers and researchers are advised to:

•Partner with local dive clubs or historical societies for guidance.

•Ensure compliance with preservation guidelines and safe diving practices.

•Consider the historical context and potential for artifacts that might reveal more about Great Lakes commerce and maritime operations of the era.