Identification & Site Information:

•Vessel Name: John Marsh

•Type: Wooden Barge

•Tonnage: 300 tons

•Length, Beam, Depth: Not documented

•Construction: Built in 1879

•Builder: Not documented

•Owner: Not documented; likely used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes

•Final Location: Approximately 5 miles from Charlotte, Lake Ontario, New York, USA

•Depth of Wreck: Not specified; vessel disappeared during the storm

•GPS Coordinates: Specific coordinates not available; approximate location derived from historical accounts

Vessel Type Description:

The John Marsh was a wooden-hulled Barge, typical of the late 19th-century Great Lakes shipping industry. With a tonnage of 300, it was built to haul substantial cargo, contributing to the thriving commerce of the region. At the time of its loss, the vessel was valued at $3,500–$4,000, reflecting its importance in the shipping trade.

Barges like the John Marsh were often towed in lines by steam tugs, carrying goods such as lumber, grain, and coal. However, their reliance on towlines made them particularly vulnerable to storms and other maritime hazards.

History:

On October 22, 1883, the John Marsh was part of a Towline led by the Tug Caribeen, alongside the barges Pacific, Eugene, and another unnamed vessel. The convoy was en route from Montreal to Fair Haven when it encountered a severe gale on Lake Ontario.

The storm caused the Towline to snap, leaving the barges adrift in rough waters. During the chaos:

•Pacific collided with another Barge, sustaining severe damage.

•The John Marsh’s light was seen disappearing within five minutes of the collision. The vessel and its four crew members (three men and one woman) were presumed lost as it sank beneath the waves.

While the Eugene hoisted its sails and reached safety, and the Caribeen sought refuge in Oswego, the John Marsh was never seen again. The loss was described in contemporary maritime reports as one of many casualties during a period of exceptionally rough conditions on Lake Ontario.

Final Disposition:

The John Marsh was declared a Total Loss, with both the vessel and its crew perishing in the storm. Its estimated value at the time of sinking was $3,500. The wreck remains undiscovered and is presumed to lie in the deep waters of Lake Ontario.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the John Marsh. However, the waters around Charlotte and Lake Ontario are known for challenging navigation, particularly during inclement weather.

Located By & Date:

The wreck of the John Marsh has not been located. The last recorded sighting was approximately 5 miles from Charlotte, New York, before it vanished during the storm.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

Given the passage of time since its loss in 1883, the wreck of the John Marsh is likely in a deteriorated state, if it exists at all. Its exact location remains unknown, making it inaccessible to divers or researchers.

Resources & Links:

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•NOAA Mariners Weather Log (Apr 2015)

•Casualty List for 1883 (Toronto Globe, Dec 4, 1883)

•Lost Tonnage on the Lakes in 1883 Report (Marine Record, Dec 27, 1883)

•Special Report from the Inter Ocean (Oct 22, 1883)

Conclusion:

The tragic loss of the John Marsh in the 1883 storm highlights the perils faced by mariners and vessels on the Great Lakes. As a vital part of the regional shipping economy, its loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers of Lake Ontario. The wreck remains a part of the lake’s mystery, undisturbed and waiting for discovery.