Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: HENRY J. JOHNSON
- Type: Wooden Steamer
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 260 ft (79.2 m); Beam: 40.2 ft (12.3 m); Depth of hold: 19.6 ft (6.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,713 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 49.4 m / 162 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, near Spectacle Reef
- Official Number: Not specified
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The HENRY J. JOHNSON was a wooden steamer designed for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes, a vital component of the regional economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a length of 260 feet and a gross tonnage of 1,713, the vessel was well-suited for carrying large cargoes such as grain, coal, and iron ore.
Description
The HENRY J. JOHNSON was built in 1888 in Cleveland, Ohio, to serve the increasing demand for robust cargo transport on the Great Lakes. The vessel operated successfully for 14 years, a significant achievement for a wooden-hulled steamer in the highly competitive shipping industry.
History
On July 24, 1902, while navigating Lake Huron in dense fog, the HENRY J. JOHNSON collided with the steamer FRED PABST near Spectacle Reef. The force of the impact was catastrophic, causing the HENRY J. JOHNSON to sink within five minutes. Despite the rapid sinking, the crew successfully abandoned ship, taking to lifeboats. All crew members were later rescued by the tug PARKER and brought safely to Cheboygan.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the steamer FRED PABST on July 24, 1902, resulting in rapid sinking.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the HENRY J. JOHNSON came to rest upright on the lakebed, approximately 162 feet below the surface. The rapid sinking and cold freshwater environment preserved much of the vessel’s structure. Reports indicate that much of the ship’s teal paint remained visible on the wreck, providing a vivid glimpse into its original appearance.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in 162 feet of water, a depth that places it within the range of technical diving. Divers visiting the site have noted the excellent preservation of the vessel, with the teal paint still visible in many areas. The cold, oxygen-poor waters of Lake Huron have contributed to the wreck’s remarkable condition.
Resources & Links
The sinking of the HENRY J. JOHNSON during a dense fog in 1902 underscores the challenges of navigation on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. While the vessel was lost within minutes of collision, the successful evacuation of the crew remains a testament to the crew’s preparedness and quick action. Rediscovered in 1992, the wreck now serves as a historical time capsule, providing divers and historians with an invaluable glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.