IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Jeska was a steam barge constructed in 1909 by the Davis Drydock Company in Kingston, Ontario. Designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, the Jeska was powered by a 10-20×14 engine from Selby & Yeldon, another Kingston-based firm. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 189 tons, with dimensions of 108 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth. The Jeska was a sturdy and reliable steam barge, typical of the vessels that served the Great Lakes region during the early 20th century.
HISTORY #
The Jeska was initially owned by J.H. Davis of Kingston, Ontario, who had ties to the shipyard where the vessel was built. In 1920, ownership transferred to J.F. Sowards, also from Kingston. Throughout its nearly two decades of service, the Jeska operated as a dependable cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, navigating these waters without any significant incidents during its early years.
However, the vessel’s service came to a tragic end on July 10, 1926, when the Jeska foundered and sank near Fairhaven, New York. The specific details surrounding the sinking are not well-documented, and the cause of the disaster remains unclear. Despite the loss of the vessel, there were no reported casualties, and the Jeska now rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario near Fairhaven.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Jeska met its final fate on July 10, 1926, when it foundered and sank near Fairhaven, New York, on Lake Ontario. The vessel remains submerged at its final location, serving as a silent reminder of the challenges faced by ships navigating the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
Located by: Not specified; the exact coordinates of the wreck are not documented.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Jeska wreck site. The location of the vessel’s remains is not marked on navigational charts, and it does not pose a known hazard to navigation.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The remains of the Jeska have not been definitively located, and without specific records of the wreck’s final resting place, it is not accessible to divers or researchers. The condition of the wreck, if it still exists, is unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed historical context and data on the Jeska and other vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.
- American Bureau of Shipping, Great Lakes Department, 1922 & 1923: Historical records documenting the specifications and ownership of Great Lakes vessels, including the Jeska.
- Great Lakes Register 1915: A comprehensive register that includes information on the Jeska and other Great Lakes vessels.
- Great Lakes Ships: A valuable resource for historical vessel information, including the Jeska.
- Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection: Offers extensive archival materials related to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, including the Jeska.
CONCLUSION #
The Jeska was a typical steam barge of its era, built to withstand the demands of transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Its nearly two decades of service came to an abrupt end when the vessel foundered and sank near Fairhaven, New York, in 1926. While the exact cause of the sinking remains unclear, the Jeska‘s story adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history. The vessel’s final resting place in Lake Ontario serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who sailed these waters in the early 20th century.
KEYWORDS #
jeska steam barge, lake ontario shipwreck, 1926 shipwreck, great lakes maritime history, kingston ontario shipbuilding, davis drydock company
ANALYSIS #
The Jeska’s history reflects the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century. As a steam barge, the vessel was part of the vital infrastructure that supported trade and transportation in the region. Its sinking in 1926 highlights the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes navigation, where even well-constructed and reliable vessels could succumb to the elements. The Jeska‘s story, though not widely known, contributes to our understanding of the risks and challenges faced by maritime operators in this historically significant region.
