JULIA B. MERRILL

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Julia B. Merrill was a traditional wooden-hulled schooner, a common type of sailing vessel used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Designed for cargo transport, this three-masted vessel was built for durability and versatility in the often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. Its robust construction and significant cargo capacity made it well-suited for the transportation of goods between various ports along the lakes.

HISTORY #

The Julia B. Merrill was launched on October 7, 1872, in Wenona, Michigan, and soon began her service as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes. Throughout her operational life, the schooner was involved in several notable incidents. In 1886, the vessel sank off Waukegon, Illinois, due to a leak, but the crew was rescued, and the ship was later salvaged and repaired.

The schooner changed ownership multiple times, eventually being registered in Canada in 1910 under the ownership of H. Daryaw of Kingston, Ontario. By 1931, the Julia B. Merrill had become one of the last remaining sailing vessels on Lake Ontario, marking the end of an era for commercial sail-powered shipping on the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

On July 1, 1931, the Julia B. Merrill was intentionally burned in Toronto, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. This event was a planned spectacle, attracting attention as one of the final acts of a vessel that had long served the maritime community. The ship was destroyed by fire, marking the end of her existence as a functional schooner.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this wreck. However, as with all dive sites, divers are advised to monitor current lake conditions and any local advisories before diving.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck site is known to local divers and has been identified and mapped by regional diving organizations. The precise date of discovery of the wreck is not widely documented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the Julia B. Merrill rests at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters) in Humber Bay, making it accessible to recreational divers. The remains of the vessel are scattered, with parts of the wooden structure still visible. The site offers an interesting glimpse into the past, with remnants of the ship providing a habitat for local aquatic life.

Visibility in the area can vary, and divers should be prepared for conditions that may affect their exploration of the site. The wreck is suitable for divers with moderate experience, offering a blend of historical significance and underwater exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Warren Lo Photography: Images and historical context of the Julia B. Merrill.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Buoy status and dive site information.
• Local Dive Shops & Charters: Organize dives to the Julia B. Merrill wreck site.
• Historical References: Additional details about the vessel’s construction, ownership, and final disposition.