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Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Roy A. Jodrey

•Vessel Type: Self-Unloading Bulk Freighter

•Official Number: 318689 (Canadian Flag)

•Built: 1965

•Builder: Canadian Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Collingwood, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 190 meters (623.16 feet)

•Beam: 22 meters (72.16 feet)

•Depth: 11.7 meters (38.42 feet)

•Gross Tonnage: 16,154 tons

•Hull Material: Steel

•Owner: Algoma and Hudson Bay Railway Company

•Final Fate: Sunk on November 21, 1974, near Alexandria Bay, New York

•Wreck Location: Latitude 44°19.856’N, Longitude 75°56.053’W, St. Lawrence River

Vessel Type Description

The Roy A. Jodrey was a cutting-edge self-unloading bulk freighter designed for efficient transportation of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain. Its self-unloading system allowed the ship to discharge cargo quickly without external assistance, reducing time at port. At its launch, the ship was among the most advanced of its kind, embodying innovation in Great Lakes maritime engineering.

History

The Roy A. Jodrey, built in 1965, was a hallmark of innovation in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Operated by the Algoma and Hudson Bay Railway Company, it was tasked with bulk cargo transport and played a vital role in regional trade. However, the vessel had a design vulnerability: the forward ballast tanks were separated from the bow Bulkhead by a single thin steel plate, which ultimately contributed to its demise.

Sinking Incident

On November 21, 1974, while navigating the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, New York, the Roy A. Jodrey struck Pullman Shoal. The collision breached the forward ballast tank, rapidly flooding the unloading tunnel and other compartments. The crew attempted to beach the ship near the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Wellesley Island, but the damage was too severe. By the early hours of November 21, the freighter sank, creating a tremor felt onshore. Fortunately, all crew members escaped safely.

Final Disposition

The vessel was declared unsalvageable in February 1975 due to the extent of the damage and challenging location. Further tragedy occurred during salvage operations when a diver lost his life. In October 1975, the Roy A. Jodrey was officially removed from the shipping registry.

Current Status of the Wreck

The wreck lies at depths ranging from 23 meters (75 feet) and deeper in the St. Lawrence River, partially collapsed but still intact enough to be a site of interest. The strong currents, cold temperatures, and depth make it a challenging dive, recommended only for experienced divers. The site offers a haunting glimpse into the remnants of a state-of-the-art freighter, a poignant reminder of its short-lived yet impactful history.

Legacy

The sinking of the Roy A. Jodrey highlights the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced ships and underscores the importance of robust safety standards in ship design. The ship’s story is a compelling chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, serving as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to the innovation of its era.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive documentation of vessels, including the Roy A. Jodrey.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of the vessel’s sinking and aftermath.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on the construction and operational history of the freighter.

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Dedicated to preserving wrecks like the Roy A. Jodrey in the Great Lakes region.

•Diver’s Guide to the St. Lawrence River: Resources for exploring the wreck of the Roy A. Jodrey.

Keywords

Roy A. Jodrey, Self-Unloading Freighter, St. Lawrence River Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Algoma Central, Bulk Carrier, Shipwreck Diving.