Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.G. Gidley
- Type: Wooden propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1901
- Builder: Gidley Boat Works, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Dimensions: Not specified in available records
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: South side of Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron
- Official Number: C107946
- Original Owners: Not specified in available records
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steam tug
Description
The J.G. Gidley was a wooden propeller-driven steam tug constructed in 1901 by Gidley Boat Works in Penetanguishene, Ontario. While specific dimensions are not detailed in available records, the vessel was designed for towing and general utility work on the Great Lakes.
History
Throughout her service life, the J.G. Gidley operated primarily in the waters of Lake Huron, performing towing operations and general support tasks. On June 14, 1908, the vessel caught fire under circumstances that remain unclear. The incident occurred on the south side of Manitoulin Island, a region known for its maritime activities. Despite the sudden outbreak of fire, the crew managed to evacuate safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. The vessel, however, was consumed by the flames and declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- June 14, 1908: Caught fire under unclear circumstances on the south side of Manitoulin Island; no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The J.G. Gidley was destroyed by fire on the south side of Manitoulin Island on June 14, 1908, and was considered a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no records indicating that the wreck of the J.G. Gidley has been located.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-g-gidley-c-107946″ title=”References & Links”]
The J.G. Gidley serves as a historical example of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Despite the lack of detailed records about her service and the circumstances of her loss, the incident underscores the hazards of maritime operations during that era, particularly the threat of onboard fires.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.G. Gidley (also recorded as J.C. Gidley)
- Official Number: C107946
- Date Built: 1901
- Builder: Gidley Boat Works, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Dimensions: Not specified in available records
- Date Lost: June 14, 1908
- Place of Loss: South side of Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron
- Cause of Loss: Fire of unknown origin
- Cargo: None
- Crew: No casualties reported
- Ownership: Not specified in available records(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, orilliamatters.com, upload.wikimedia.org, newporthistory.org)
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller steam tug(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Description
The J.G. Gidley was a wooden propeller-driven steam tug constructed in 1901 by Gidley Boat Works in Penetanguishene, Ontario. While specific dimensions are not detailed in available records, the vessel was designed for towing and general utility work on the Great Lakes.(orilliamatters.com)
History
Throughout her service life, the J.G. Gidley operated primarily in the waters of Lake Huron, performing towing operations and general support tasks. On June 14, 1908, the vessel caught fire under circumstances that remain unclear. The incident occurred on the south side of Manitoulin Island, a region known for its maritime activities. Despite the sudden outbreak of fire, the crew managed to evacuate safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. The vessel, however, was consumed by the flames and declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
The J.G. Gidley was destroyed by fire on the south side of Manitoulin Island on June 14, 1908, and was considered a total loss.(upload.wikimedia.org)
Located By & Date Found
There are no records indicating that the wreck of the J.G. Gidley has been located.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no known navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck of the J.G. Gidley.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – G: https://greatlakesrex.wordpress.com/g/
- Report of the Chairman of the Board of Steamboat Inspection, 1909: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Report_of_the_Chairman_of_the_Board_of_Steamboat_Inspection%2C_for_the_fiscal_year_ended_31st_March%2C_1909._%28IA_1910v44i14p23a_0665%29.pdf(upload.wikimedia.org)
Conclusion
The J.G. Gidley serves as a historical example of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Despite the lack of detailed records about her service and the circumstances of her loss, the incident underscores the hazards of maritime operations during that era, particularly the threat of onboard fires.
Keywords: J.G. Gidley, Lake Huron shipwreck, 1908 fire, wooden steam tug, Manitoulin Island
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 20th-century maritime incidents, Great Lakes tugs
Glossary Terms:
- Steam Tug: A small, powerful vessel powered by steam, used for towing or pushing ships and barges.
- Manitoulin Island: The largest freshwater island in the world, located in Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada.