.1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Name: J.L. Beckwith (formerly known as James L. Beckwith)
- Other Names: James L. Beckwith
- Type: Propeller Packet Vessel
- Tonnage:
- Gross: 61 tons
- Net: 33 tons
- Length: 67 feet (20.4 meters)
- Beam: 23 feet (7.0 meters)
- Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Location: Lost near Sandy Point or Sandy Island, Lake Superior
- Year of Loss: July 26, 1912
- Coordinates: Not specified
- Depth: Not specified
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The J.L. Beckwith, originally built as James L. Beckwith in 1873 by the Union Drydock Co. in Buffalo, New York, was a wooden propeller packet vessel. Measuring 67 feet (20.4 meters) in length, 23 feet (7.0 meters) in beam, and 8 feet (2.4 meters) in depth, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 61 tons and a net tonnage of 33 tons. As a packet vessel, the J.L. Beckwith primarily served as a ferry and excursion boat, providing vital transportation and recreational services to communities along the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The J.L. Beckwith had a rich history of service on the Great Lakes. Built in 1873 by the Union Drydock Co. in Buffalo, New York, the vessel was initially registered as the James L. Beckwith before being renamed J.L. Beckwith later in its career. The vessel was designed as a propeller packet, serving both as a ferry and an excursion boat. It played a crucial role in transporting passengers and providing recreational trips on the water, making it an important part of the maritime landscape for the communities it served.
On July 26, 1912, the J.L. Beckwith was navigating Lake Superior, likely having departed from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The vessel encountered a severe storm, which led to its tragic demise. The exact location of the wreck is uncertain, with sources citing either Sandy Point or Sandy Island as the site of the loss. Unfortunately, specific details about the wreck, including potential loss of life or cargo, are not readily available.
The sinking of the J.L. Beckwith in 1912 marked the end of its operational life and was a significant loss for the maritime community. The event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable weather and treacherous conditions on Lake Superior, which have claimed many vessels over the years.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The J.L. Beckwith was lost in a storm on July 26, 1912, while navigating Lake Superior. The vessel wrecked near Sandy Point or Sandy Island, though the exact location remains unclear. The loss of the J.L. Beckwith marked a tragic end to the vessel’s service as a ferry and excursion boat, with the wreck leaving behind unanswered questions about the circumstances of its demise.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the J.L. Beckwith. Mariners navigating near Sandy Point or Sandy Island on Lake Superior should be aware of the potential underwater hazards associated with the historical wreck site.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The specific location of the J.L. Beckwith’s wreck near Sandy Point or Sandy Island in Lake Superior is not documented. The site of the loss has been part of maritime lore since the vessel’s sinking in 1912.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The condition of the J.L. Beckwith’s wreck is not well-documented. Given the wooden construction of the vessel and the length of time it has been submerged, it is likely that the wreck is in a deteriorated state. Further exploration would be required to assess the current condition and accessibility of the wreck.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The J.L. Beckwith’s history as a ferry and excursion boat highlights its importance in facilitating transportation and leisure activities for the communities it served. The vessel’s loss in 1912 is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable and often violent weather conditions on Lake Superior. Although the exact details of the wreck remain unknown, the loss of the J.L. Beckwith is an important chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the lack of specific information regarding the depth and condition of the J.L. Beckwith’s wreck, diving details are limited. However, if the site were to be located and explored, it would likely require advanced diving skills due to the potential deterioration of the wreck and the historical significance of the site. Divers should approach the site with caution and respect for the vessel’s history and the tragedy that befell it.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Propeller Packet Vessel
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Ferry and Excursion Boat
CONCLUSION #
The J.L. Beckwith, also known as James L. Beckwith, played a significant role in the transportation and recreational life of the communities it served on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s tragic loss in a storm on Lake Superior in 1912 serves as a somber reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by mariners navigating these waters. The wreck of the J.L. Beckwith, though shrouded in mystery, remains a poignant part of the maritime history of Lake Superior.
