Case (J.C. Lockwood) C 76824

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: J.C. Lockwood (later renamed Case)
• Type: Wooden-Hulled Propeller Freighter
• Year Built: 1889
• Builder: Thomas Quayle & Sons
• Dimensions: Length 286 ft (87.2 m); Beam 42.42 ft (12.9 m); Depth of hold 22 ft (6.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 2,278 tons; Net: 1,901 tons
• Location: Near East Sister Island, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Official Number: C 76824
• Original Owners: Original Owner: J.C. Lockwood of Milan, Ohio; Renamed and Owned by: F. B. Case (as Case)
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The J.C. Lockwood, later renamed Case, was a wooden-hulled propeller freighter designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Built in 1889 by Thomas Quayle & Sons in Cleveland, Ohio, it was robustly constructed to handle heavy cargo such as coal and grain. These vessels were vital during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing significantly to the industrial and economic growth of the Great Lakes region.

Description

The J.C. Lockwood began service as a bulk freighter, initially owned by its namesake, J.C. Lockwood of Milan, Ohio. In April 1899, it was renamed Case, reflecting its new managing owner, F. B. Case. The vessel underwent several changes in ownership during its operational life, adapting to the dynamic demands of Great Lakes shipping.

History

Over its career, the freighter faced multiple incidents:

• 1906: The vessel developed a significant leak and had to be beached at Port Washington, Wisconsin, to prevent sinking.
• 1907: A collision near Amherstburg, Ontario, in the Detroit River led to the Case sinking temporarily. The ship was salvaged and repaired.
• 1917: On May 1, the vessel encountered its final disaster. During a storm on Lake Erie, the Case began leaking severely. To prevent sinking, the crew beached the vessel near East Sister Island. While abandoning the ship, a fire broke out, quickly engulfing the freighter. The ship burned and was declared a total loss, though the cargo of coal was salvaged.

Significant Incidents

• 1906: Significant leak beached at Port Washington, Wisconsin.
• 1907: Collision near Amherstburg, Ontario, led to temporary sinking.
• 1917: Final disaster during storm on Lake Erie, leading to fire and total loss.

Final Disposition

The Case burned and sank on May 1, 1917, near East Sister Island in Lake Erie. The ship was entirely destroyed by fire, marking the end of its service. Despite the vessel’s destruction, the coal cargo was successfully salvaged.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the circumstances of its destruction by fire and subsequent sinking, it is unlikely that significant remains of the Case exist today. The site may hold historical interest, but the wreck’s inaccessibility and deterioration over time make it challenging to investigate.

Resources & Links

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The J.C. Lockwood, later renamed Case, was a testament to the industrious spirit of Great Lakes freighters, serving for nearly three decades before succumbing to a storm and fire in 1917. Its story, though tragic, is a reminder of the resilience of the maritime community and the challenges faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.