Wreck Report: JOHN WALTERS

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: JOHN WALTERS

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Location: Tobermory, Ontario, Lake Huron

•Coordinates: Exact location not specified; within Tobermory’s designated dive area.

•Date of Sinking: November 20, 1883

•Depth: 15 feet (approximately 5 meters)

•Accessibility: Easily accessible by boat; suitable for novice divers.

Vessel Type Description

The JOHN WALTERS was a classic Schooner, characterized by its two or more masts and fore-and-aft rigging. At 108 feet 5 inches in length, it exemplified the efficient and graceful design of 19th-century sailing vessels built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the JOHN WALTERS were integral to the thriving regional economy, transporting goods and materials across vast waterways.

History

The JOHN WALTERS served as a testament to the bustling maritime activity of the 19th-century Great Lakes. Schooners like it were essential for the movement of goods during a time when waterways were the most efficient transportation routes.

On November 20, 1883, the JOHN WALTERS faced a fierce storm while navigating the waters of Lake Huron. The storm not only claimed the JOHN WALTERS but also other vessels, including the Schooner China. The violent weather caused the Schooner to strand and eventually break apart, settling on the sandy bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg near Tobermory.

Despite its tragic end, the wreck of the JOHN WALTERS has since become an Artificial Reef, fostering a diverse marine habitat. It also attracts divers from around the world, becoming a cherished part of Tobermory’s underwater heritage.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies in shallow, clear waters at a depth of 15 feet. While the vessel has broken apart, the wreckage remains scattered and visible, offering a fascinating dive experience. Its shallow depth makes it a popular site for novice divers, providing a safe and engaging environment to explore Great Lakes maritime history and observe underwater ecosystems.

Located By & Date

The exact details of the wreck’s discovery are undocumented, but it is now a well-documented and frequently visited dive site in Tobermory, part of Canada’s National Marine Conservation Area.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Navigational Hazards: The shallow nature of the wreck requires boat operators to approach with caution to avoid grounding or disturbing the site.

•Environmental Considerations: Divers should practice proper buoyancy control to minimize disturbance to the wreckage and surrounding marine life.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Wrecks and Reefs – Vlada Dekina: JOHN WALTERS

•Warren Lo Photography

Tags

•JOHN WALTERS

•Tobermory Shipwreck

•Lake Huron

•Schooner Wreck

•Novice Dive Site

•Maritime History

•Great Lakes Ecosystem

Conclusion

The wreck of the JOHN WALTERS is a valuable site for exploring Great Lakes maritime history and the dynamic ecosystems of Lake Huron. Its shallow depth makes it accessible to novice divers, offering them an opportunity to hone their skills while experiencing the beauty of underwater exploration. This historical artifact now serves as a living reef, blending history with nature in a unique and memorable way.