J.C. Clark – Lake Huron Ferry Shipwreck (1905)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: J.C. Clark
• Type: Propeller Wood Package Ferry
• Year Built: 1865
• Builder: D.M. Dole, Marine City, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: Not specified
• Location: Port Huron, Michigan
• Official Number: C 51669
• Original Owners: T. Bury of Sombra, W.B. Clark of Sarnia, Sarnia Transportation Co.
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The J.C. Clark began its life as the T.D. Dole, a propeller-driven ferry designed for transporting packages, goods, and passengers. Ferries like this were common on the Great Lakes, connecting ports and facilitating trade across the international waters of the U.S. and Canada.

Description

The J.C. Clark (formerly T.D. Dole) is remembered as a resilient vessel that survived numerous incidents, including fire and capsizing, before ultimately succumbing to a tragic blaze in 1905. Its history reflects the challenges faced by wooden vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

Early Years as T.D. Dole (1865–1871)

• Built in Marine City, Michigan, the vessel served as a wood package ferry, focusing on transportation in the bustling Great Lakes region.
• 1870: Nearly destroyed in a fire at Erie, Pennsylvania, but survived the incident.

Transition to J.C. Clark (1871–1905)

• 1871: Sold to Canadian owners and renamed J.C. Clark, transitioning to service between Port Huron and Sarnia.
• Ownership passed between several parties, including:
• T. Bury of Sombra
• W.B. Clark of Sarnia
• Sarnia Transportation Co. (1895): The vessel primarily operated as a ferry, transporting passengers and goods across the St. Clair River.

Significant Incidents

1878: Capsized near Sarnia, Ontario. Details of this event are limited, but the ship was salvaged and returned to service.

Final Disposition

Fire in Port Huron

• Date: May 13, 1905
• Location: Black River, Port Huron, Michigan
• Event: While docked at the ferry terminal, a devastating fire engulfed the vessel.
• Cause: The cause of the fire is unknown.
• Outcome: The ship was destroyed, marking the end of its service and existence.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the J.C. Clark is not accessible for diving, and it is important to respect the site and its history. Divers are encouraged to document their experiences without disturbing the wreck or its surroundings, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’

Resources & Links

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The J.C. Clark’s story is a vivid chapter in the history of Great Lakes navigation. Its evolution from a package ferry to a Canadian ferry trade vessel and its ultimate demise in a tragic fire are emblematic of the resilience and hazards faced by ships of its time. Despite its destruction, the ship’s legacy lives on as a reminder of the importance of maritime commerce in shaping the region’s economic and cultural fabric.