IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The H.N. JEX was originally built as a wooden propeller vessel named FRONTENAC in 1868 for the Northern Transportation Co. of Ogdensburg, New York. Designed to serve as both a passenger and package freight ship, the vessel had two decks and was powered by a high-pressure engine, which propelled it through the waters of the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 447.37 tons, it was a sizeable ship for its time, measuring 135.5 feet in length, making it suitable for the demanding transportation needs of the era.
HISTORY: #
The H.N. JEX, originally named LAWRENCE and later renamed FRONTENAC, had a storied history on the Great Lakes. Over its operational lifetime, the vessel underwent several ownership changes, name changes, and modifications.
Some notable incidents in its history include going ashore at 40 Mile Point in Lake Huron in 1877 and a collision with the pleasure steamer CYCLONE in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1890. The ship was rebuilt multiple times, reflecting the common practice of extending the life of wooden vessels through significant overhauls.
By 1921, the vessel, now registered as H.N. JEX, was engaged in transporting coal across Lake Ontario. On August 16, 1921, the H.N. JEX met its tragic end when it foundered 15 miles off Long Point in Lake Ontario. The ship was carrying 550 tons of coal at the time of its sinking. Locals on the Canadian side reported seeing a fire on the lake on the same night, marking the vessel’s final moments. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the propeller LEHIGH, preventing any loss of life.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The H.N. JEX foundered on August 16, 1921, in Lake Ontario, marking the end of its operational life. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain undisclosed, but the ship lies 15 miles off Long Point. The cause of the sinking was likely due to the vessel’s age and the severe conditions often encountered on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the H.N. JEX.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck has not been publicly located, and no further exploration details are available.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck of the H.N. JEX is believed to rest at a considerable depth in Lake Ontario. Due to the lack of disclosed coordinates, the site is not accessible to divers, and no extensive surveys have been conducted.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Link
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database: Shipwreck Database
- Department of Marine & Fisheries Reports: Available through archives and maritime research institutions.
KEYWORDS: #
- H.N. JEX
- FRONTENAC Shipwreck
- Lake Ontario Shipwrecks
- 1921 Shipwreck
- Great Lakes Maritime History
ANALYSIS: #
The sinking of the H.N. JEX (formerly FRONTENAC) is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels on the Great Lakes, especially as they aged. The vessel’s long service life, coupled with multiple rebuilds, suggests that it was pushed beyond its limits. The fact that the crew survived due to the timely intervention of the LEHIGHunderscores the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions on Lake Ontario. The final chapter of the H.N. JEX adds another somber entry to the extensive list of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
