Other Names #
- JOESPH T. SLOAT
- JOS T. SLOAT
From Freight to Fish Tug #
In the realm of maritime history, the J.J. Carroll II occupies a unique position, having undergone a transformation from a small freighter to a fishing tug. However, her fate was ultimately sealed on October 12, 1939, when she foundered in Lake Erie, just six miles east of Fairport, Ohio. In this article, we delve into the vessel’s construction, history, and the circumstances that led to her untimely demise.
Originally built in 1908 by L. Pouliot in Sandusky, Ohio, the vessel was initially known as the Joseph T. Sloat. Constructed from wood, the J.J. Carroll II measured 63 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and had a depth of 5 feet. Her specifications included a gross tonnage of 30 tons and a net tonnage of 20 tons. Initially serving as a small freighter, she was later repurposed and rebuilt as a fishing tug in 1929, following the burning and sinking of the original J.J. Carroll.
On October 12, 1939, tragedy struck the J.J. Carroll II as she drifted away from her dock and collided with a submerged sandbar. The impact proved to be fatal, leading to the vessel’s foundering perilously close to the shoreline, approximately six miles east of Fairport, Ohio. Thankfully, no individuals were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident, resulting in no loss of life.
The J.J. Carroll II, a vessel that underwent a remarkable transformation from a small freighter to a fishing tug, met her tragic end on October 12, 1939. After drifting away from her dock, she struck a sandbar and foundered near the shores of Lake Erie. Despite her unfortunate demise, the absence of individuals aboard the vessel prevented any loss of life. The J.J. Carroll II’s story serves as a testament to the ever-changing nature of maritime operations and the inherent risks faced by vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.
