- Schooner Barge
- 135ft 42m Lenghts
- 80ffw 26m Depths
- Bowmanville, Lake Ontario
- N44.17417,
W78.54444
On a crisp October morning in 1875, the schooner P.B. LOCKE found itself in a dire situation. A special dispatch from Ashtabula reported that the vessel had run aground while attempting to navigate its way into the safety of Ashtabula harbor. The ship was perched just two feet out of reach of the water’s embrace. This mishap set off a chain of events that would unveil the resilience of both the ship and those who sought to save her.
The P.B. LOCKE, built in Toledo, Ohio, in 1872, was a wooden-hulled schooner with three masts. With a length of 135.9 feet, a beam of 26 feet, and a depth of 11.4 feet, she was a substantial vessel, boasting a gross tonnage of 285 and a net tonnage of 270. Owned by various entities over the years, the ship saw a number of adventures and misfortunes during its service on the Great Lakes.
In October 1875, the P.B. LOCKE found itself stranded near Ashtabula, Lake Erie, as it valiantly attempted to make its way into the safety of the harbor. It was a precarious situation, but the resourcefulness and determination of the crew and local assistance prevailed. Captain Morey left Buffalo to offer a helping hand, and with combined efforts, the P.B. LOCKE was successfully refloated. The ship’s escape from damage was a testament to the skill and dedication of those who had a vested interest in maritime commerce.
But the P.B. LOCKE’s journey wasn’t without its share of challenges. In the following years, ownership of the ship changed hands, and it experienced its fair share of misadventures. Aground in Detour, Lake Huron, in 1881, and subsequently re-floated, the P.B. LOCKE continued its service, often carrying cargo such as coal and stone.
However, a significant turning point in the ship’s history came in 1895 when, due to an incident, it was run aground at Grand Island on Lake Superior. This event marked a transition for the P.B. LOCKE, as it was eventually repurposed into a barge. The ship’s transformation didn’t dampen its significance; instead, it continued to contribute to the maritime industry as a resilient and valuable vessel.
Sadly, the P.B. LOCKE’s final chapter unfolded on November 1, 1912. While under tow by the steamer JUNO and carrying a load of stone, the P.B. LOCKE met its end in Lake Ontario during a fierce storm. The ship foundered three miles southeast of Port Hope, succumbing to the forces of nature. Despite this tragic end, the P.B. LOCKE’s legacy endures through the records of its adventures and the artifacts that remain on the lakebed.
In recent years, the discovery of the P.B. LOCKE’s shipwreck has captivated the diving community and maritime enthusiasts alike. The vessel’s remains, lying approximately 80 feet below the surface, offer a glimpse into the past. Divers have uncovered ribs, decking, rigging blocks, a ship’s wheel, a boiler, and more, all hinting at the ship’s former glory. However, this underwater treasure requires care and respect, both to preserve its historical value and to ensure the safety of those who explore its depths.
Efforts to protect the P.B. LOCKE’s legacy continue, with a commemorative plaque placed on the lakebed near the wreck site. This plaque serves as a reminder of the ship’s journey, the challenges it faced, and the resilience it embodied. As maritime history enthusiasts explore the murky depths off Port Hope, the P.B. LOCKE’s story lives on, an enduring testament to the maritime spirit that once graced the waters of the Great Lakes.
You must be logged in to post a comment.