Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. B. Martin
- Type: Three-Masted Schooner
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: unknown
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 200-300 tons (estimate)
- Location: Exact site unknown; last reported passed the Straits
- Coordinates: Exact GPS coordinates not available
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Wooden three-masted schooner, likely converted to a barkentine or scow later.
Description
Description: The J. B. Martin was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1868. It was typically registered between 200 to 300 tons, although the exact measurement has not been confirmed. The vessel was carrying wheat on its last voyage.
History
History: The J. B. Martin was built in 1868, but specific details about its construction and ownership remain unknown. The vessel’s service history includes transporting cargo, specifically wheat, from Milwaukee to Buffalo.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- Lost on November 5, 1869, during one of the largest recorded gales on the Great Lakes, known as the November Gale of 1869.
- All 10 crew members perished in the incident, with no survivors reported.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition: The J. B. Martin foundered during the storm, and its exact wreck site remains unknown. It is believed to have sunk in deep waters of Lake Michigan or possibly Lake Huron.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility: As a storm-foundered wooden schooner, the J. B. Martin likely broke apart rapidly in deep water. There is no known shoreline wreckage, and no documented surveys have been conducted. The wreck remains unlocated and is likely unrecoverable without remote sensing.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-b-martin-1868″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary: The J. B. Martin represents a significant maritime loss during a critical storm event in Great Lakes history. Its remains, if located, would provide insights into mid-19th-century cargo vessel design and the navigational challenges of the era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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