IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The JOHN WALTERS was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel with two or more masts and rigged fore-and-aft. Schooners like the JOHN WALTERS were commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting goods and materials across the vast waterways. At a length of 108 feet 5 inches, this vessel was a sizable example of its kind, built for both grace and functionality. Despite its elegance and the sturdy build typical of schooners, the JOHN WALTERS met its fate during a violent storm, ending its service in the waters it once sailed so gracefully.
HISTORY #
The JOHN WALTERS was a product of the booming maritime industry on the Great Lakes, designed to navigate the vast expanses of Lake Ontario and beyond. On November 20, 1883, the schooner was caught in a severe storm, a common yet deadly peril for ships on the Great Lakes. The storm that claimed the JOHN WALTERS also took the lives of other ships, including the notable wreck of the China.
After stranding, the JOHN WALTERS succumbed to the relentless forces of nature, breaking apart and settling on the sandy bottom of the lake. Over time, the wreck became an artificial reef, offering a habitat for various aquatic species and transforming into a cherished dive site for those exploring Tobermory’s underwater landscape.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The remains of the JOHN WALTERS now lie at a shallow depth of 15 feet in the clear waters of Tobermory, Ontario. Though the vessel is broken up, the scattered wreckage creates a fascinating site for divers to explore. The wreck’s shallow depth makes it an ideal location for novice divers, allowing them to spend more time underwater while safely observing the historical remnants and marine life.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact discovery date and individual who located the wreck of the JOHN WALTERS are not documented. However, it has since become a well-known dive site, frequented by diving enthusiasts visiting Tobermory.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Navigational Hazards: Due to the shallow depth and scattered nature of the wreck, boat operators should navigate cautiously when approaching the dive site.
- Environmental Considerations: Divers should practice good buoyancy control to prevent disturbing the wreckage or harming the marine ecosystem that has developed around the site.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Wrecks and Reefs – Vlada Dekina: JOHN WALTERS Wreck
- Warren Lo Photography: Warren Lo Photography
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the JOHN WALTERS offers a unique and accessible opportunity for novice divers to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history. Its shallow depth and relatively intact remains create an ideal environment for beginner divers to hone their skills while enjoying the beauty of the underwater world. This site serves not only as a historical artifact but also as a living reef, teeming with life and offering a glimpse into the dynamic ecosystem of Lake Huron.
KEYWORDS #
JOHN WALTERS, Tobermory, Lake Huron, Schooner, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Diving, Novice Dive Site, Underwater Photography, Marine Life
