IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The S.K. Martin was a steam screw vessel, a type of steamship propelled by a screw propeller, which was common for Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally named the City of St. Joseph, this vessel served various purposes throughout its nearly 30 years of operation. With a robust construction typical of its era, the S.K. Martin was well-suited for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes, where it carried both passengers and cargo.
HISTORY #
The S.K. Martin was constructed in 1883 at Benton Harbor, Michigan, and began its service under the name City of St. Joseph. With a home port in Chicago, Illinois, the vessel operated on the Great Lakes, contributing to the bustling trade and transportation network of the region. By 1912, the ship had been in service for nearly three decades, a testament to its durability and the skill of its crew.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
In 1912, the S.K. Martin met its fate near Erie, Pennsylvania, when the vessel foundered. Although the ship was carrying 12 persons on board at the time of the incident, all individuals were safely rescued, and no lives were lost. The exact cause of the foundering remains unspecified in the available records, but the ship’s loss marked the end of its long service on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are in effect for this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- The wreck site has not been specifically located, and there are no GPS coordinates available for divers.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The condition of the S.K. Martin’s wreck is unknown. Given the time elapsed since the incident in 1912, it is likely that any remaining parts of the vessel are in poor condition. The wreck site is not known to be a dive location, and its accessibility remains unclear.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Additional historical records may be available in archives related to shipwrecks on Lake Erie.
TAGS #
#SKMartin #CityOfStJoseph #SteamScrew #Shipwreck #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeErie
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the S.K. Martin near Erie, Pennsylvania, is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime travel on the Great Lakes. Despite the vessel’s long and successful service, it ultimately succumbed to the hazards of the open water. The safe rescue of all 12 persons on board highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety of those who work and travel on the Great Lakes
