JUDGE HART C146247 1923 – 1942

General History of the JUDGE HART

The JUDGE HART, a bulk freighter steeped in maritime history, was constructed in 1923 at Cowes, United Kingdom, under the skilled craftsmanship of J.S. White & Co Ltd. With an official number of 146247, this vessel was a testament to British engineering prowess during the interwar period.

Originally commissioned by the esteemed Eastern Steamship Co. Ltd., the JUDGE HART, embarked on a journey that intertwined with the bustling maritime trade routes of its time. Its sturdy construction and ample cargo capacity made it a stalwart presence in the maritime industry, contributing significantly to the transportation of goods across the seas.

Throughout its operational years, the JUDGE HART, weathered the tumultuous tides of history, witnessing the evolution of global commerce and the shifting dynamics of international relations. From the roaring twenties through the Great Depression and beyond, this vessel plied the waters with resilience and determination, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of human endeavors.

As a bulk freighter, the JUDGE HART, played a vital role in transporting essential commodities such as coal, ore, and grains, facilitating trade between distant shores and fueling economic growth around the world. Its sturdy hull and reliable machinery ensured that cargo reached its destination safely and efficiently, earning the respect and admiration of seafarers and merchants alike.

While specific details of its voyages and encounters may be lost to the annals of time, the legacy of the JUDGE HART, endures as a symbol of maritime excellence and perseverance. Though no longer sailing the seas, its memory lives on in the chronicles of maritime history, a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and enterprise that defines humanity’s relationship with the sea

On November 28, 1942, the JUDGE HART,’s storied journey came to a tragic end near Thunder Bay, Ontario, in the vast expanse of Lake Superior. Despite its sturdy construction and years of faithful service, the vessel met its final fate when it foundered and sank in those treacherous waters, succumbing to the unforgiving forces of nature.

Throughout its illustrious history, the JUDGE HART, experienced the ebb and flow of ownership, changing hands as it continued to ply the maritime trade routes. Initially, it was under the ownership of the esteemed Eastern Steamship Co., a testament to the vessel’s pedigree and quality craftsmanship. Later, it became the property of Boland & Cornelius, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable and indispensable asset in the maritime industry.

In 1936, a pivotal moment in its history occurred when ownership of the JUDGE HART, was transferred to the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co. Ltd. This transition marked a new chapter in the vessel’s legacy, as it continued to navigate the waters of the Great Lakes and beyond under the stewardship of its new owners.

Despite the changing hands and the challenges faced along the way, the JUDGE HART, remained a resilient symbol of maritime ingenuity and perseverance. Its sinking near Thunder Bay serves as a solemn reminder of the inherent risks and uncertainties of seafaring, immortalizing the vessel and its crew in the annals of maritime history.

Photo Gallery – CC Jeffery Mark 

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Other Resources and Links for the JUDGE HART

• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
• Part I  Scanner, v. 25, no. 1 (October 1992)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Part 2 Scanner, v. 25, no. 2 (November 1992)
• Great Lakes Ships
• Advanced Diver Magazine 
• Bowling Green State University
• Great Lakes Vessel History
• Shipwreck Explorers
• Liquid Productions – Becky Kegan Scott
• Diver Death 🙁
• Youtube Video by GUE