IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The JAMES H. REED was a steel-hulled steam screw bulk propeller ship, designed for the transportation of bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. At 448 feet in length and with a gross tonnage of 5598 tons, the vessel was a significant presence on the lakes, representing the industrial might of the early 20th century’s Great Lakes shipping industry.
HISTORY: #
Launched on May 28, 1903, the JAMES H. REED was built by the Detroit Shipbuilding Company in Wyandotte, Michigan. The vessel served the Great Lakes region, primarily operating out of Duluth, Minnesota, one of the key ports for bulk cargoes such as iron ore and grain.
The ship had a successful career spanning over four decades, navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. However, her service came to a tragic end on April 27, 1944, when she collided with the Canadian steamer ASHCROFT. The collision occurred approximately 20 miles north of Conneaut, Ohio, in Lake Erie. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the sinking of the JAMES H. REED and the loss of 12 lives.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The JAMES H. REED sank following the collision with the ASHCROFT on April 27, 1944. The exact location of the wreck is approximately 20 miles north of Conneaut, Ohio, in Lake Erie. The vessel now rests on the lakebed, serving as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who worked the Great Lakes shipping lanes during the 20th century.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the wreck of the JAMES H. REED. However, the wreck’s location is known, and it is marked on nautical charts as a point of interest for divers and historians.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The collision and subsequent sinking of the JAMES H. REED are well-documented, particularly in records such as the Merchant Vessel List, U.S.A. 1945, and the Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding Master List. These records are maintained by the Institute for Great Lakes Research in Perrysburg, Ohio.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The current condition of the JAMES H. REED’s wreck is not detailed in the available records. However, given the depth of Lake Erie and the nature of the collision, the wreck is likely well-preserved and may be accessible to experienced divers. Further exploration could provide more insights into the state of the wreck and any remaining artifacts.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Merchant Vessel List, U.S.A. 1945
- Institute for Great Lakes Research, Perrysburg, Ohio
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #SteamScrew
- #BulkCarrier
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
Conclusion: #
The JAMES H. REED was a testament to the industrial era of Great Lakes shipping, serving for over 40 years before her tragic end in 1944. The collision with the ASHCROFT not only resulted in the loss of the ship but also claimed the lives of 12 crew members, marking a dark day in the history of Lake Erie. Today, the wreck of the JAMES H. REED remains a significant site for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, offering a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who worked on these vast inland seas.
