ROY A JODREY C318689

The Roy A. Jodrey was a state-of-the-art self-unloading bulk freighter when it was launched in 1965. Built by the Canadian Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Collingwood, Ontario, this vessel was the first of its kind constructed for the Algoma and Hudson Bay Railway Company. With its impressive size and advanced design, the Roy A. Jodrey represented a significant leap forward in maritime technology, particularly in the Great Lakes shipping industry. However, less than a decade after its launch, the freighter met a tragic and untimely end in the cold waters of the St. Lawrence River.

Construction and Design #

The Roy A. Jodrey was designed as a self-unloading bulk freighter, a type of vessel that revolutionized the transportation of bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, and grain. Measuring 623.16 feet in length, 72.16 feet in beam, and with a depth of 38.42 feet, the Roy A. Jodrey had a gross tonnage of 16,154 tons, making it one of the larger vessels navigating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

The ship’s design followed the traditional layout of Great Lakes freighters, divided into three main sections:

1. Bow Section: Responsible for navigation, steering, and propulsion.
2. Stern Section: Contained the main diesel engines, electrical generators, ballast pumps, and other essential controls.
3. Mid-Body Section: The core of the vessel, housing the cargo hold, a self-unloading tunnel, and ballast tanks.

One of the most innovative features of the Roy A. Jodrey was its self-unloading system, which allowed the vessel to efficiently discharge its cargo without the need for external equipment, significantly reducing time spent in port.

The Fatal Flaw #

Despite its advanced design, the Roy A. Jodrey had a critical flaw in its ballast tanks. The forward side ballast tanks were not connected to the bow bulkhead, leaving only a single ½-inch steel plate to prevent water from flooding the hold and the unloading tunnel. This design weakness would prove to be catastrophic.

The Sinking Incident #

On November 21, 1974, the Roy A. Jodrey was navigating the St. Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, New York, when disaster struck. As the vessel approached Pullman Shoal, it drifted off course and collided with the shoal. The impact breached the forward ballast tank and ripped open the unloading tunnel, allowing water to flood the ship rapidly.

The ship’s captain, recognizing the severity of the situation, quickly alerted the crew and attempted to beach the vessel next to the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Wellesley Island. However, the damage was too extensive, and water continued to pour into the ship, overwhelming the ballast pumps and flooding the engine room.

In the early hours of November 21, 1974, the Roy A. Jodrey lost its battle against the incoming water, slipping from its foothold and sinking to the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. The sinking created a tremor that was felt onshore and caused a power blackout at the nearby Coast Guard station. Fortunately, all crew members managed to escape the vessel before it sank, avoiding further loss of life.

Salvage Attempts and Tragedy #

Following the sinking, efforts were made to salvage the Roy A. Jodrey. However, these attempts were fraught with difficulties. The vessel’s location and the extent of the damage made the operation extremely challenging. In February 1975, the Algoma Central declared the ship unsalvageable, deciding that the risks and costs associated with the salvage were too great.

Tragedy struck again in June 1975, when a diver working on the salvage operation encountered equipment troubles and went missing. Despite extensive search efforts, his body was never recovered. This incident further underscored the dangers involved in the operation, leading to the abandonment of further salvage efforts.

On October 7, 1975, the Roy A. Jodrey was officially removed from the shipping registry, marking the end of its brief but eventful service.

Current Status of the Wreck #

The wreck of the Roy A. Jodrey now lies at the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, near the coordinates N44 19.8560, W75 56.0530, at depths ranging from 75 feet (23 meters) and deeper. The ship, though lying broken and partially collapsed, remains a significant underwater site, drawing interest from divers and maritime historians.

Due to the location and depth of the wreck, diving the Roy A. Jodrey is considered challenging and is recommended only for experienced divers. The wreck’s location in the St. Lawrence River, with its strong currents and cold temperatures, adds to the complexity of exploration. Divers who visit the site can observe the remains of the once-mighty freighter, a solemn reminder of the risks inherent in maritime operations.

Legacy #

The sinking of the Roy A. Jodrey serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced vessels. The design flaw that led to the vessel’s sinking highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards in shipbuilding, especially in vessels designed to operate in challenging environments like the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

The story of the Roy A. Jodrey is one of innovation, tragedy, and caution, serving as an enduring lesson in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Though the vessel now rests on the riverbed, its legacy continues to be felt by those who study and explore the waters of the St. Lawrence River.

1999 Photos NTD CC