Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

J.H. Sheadle (1906)

Explore the well-preserved wreck of the J.H. Sheadle, a steam bulk freighter that sank in 1922, located in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: J.H. Sheadle
  • Type: Steam Bulk Freighter
  • Year Built: 1906
  • Builder: West Bay City Shipbuilding Company, West Bay City, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length: 504 ft (153.9 m); Beam: 54 ft; Depth of hold: 28 ft
  • Registered Tonnage: 6,322 gross tons
  • Location: Thunder Bay, Lake Huron (near Alpena, Michigan)
  • Coordinates: Specific GPS coordinates not readily available.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The J.H. Sheadle was a steam bulk freighter designed for transporting bulk cargo, particularly iron ore, coal, and grain, which were essential to the economic development of the Great Lakes region in the early 20th century.

Description

The J.H. Sheadle was built in 1906 by the West Bay City Shipbuilding Company. It measured approximately 504 feet in length, 54 feet in beam, and had a depth of 28 feet. The vessel was constructed of steel and had a registered tonnage of 6,322 gross tons.

History

The J.H. Sheadle primarily operated in the interlake trade routes, connecting major industrial centers around the Great Lakes. It played a significant role in the transportation of vital bulk cargoes during its service.

Significant Incidents

  • Date of Loss: November 9, 1922
  • Cause of Loss: The J.H. Sheadle sank after colliding with the steamer D.M. Clemson during a gale in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron.
  • Conditions: Poor visibility and rough weather contributed to the collision.
  • Outcome: The entire crew survived, with lifeboats launched and nearby vessels assisting in the rescue. The ship was reportedly empty at the time of sinking.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the J.H. Sheadle lies in shallow to moderate depths, making it accessible to divers. The steel hull and structural components are well-preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron. Significant portions of the hull and deck machinery remain intact, and the wreck serves as a habitat for marine life.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Visibility varies depending on weather conditions and sediment levels in Thunder Bay. The wreck is protected as part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and diving permits or specific regulations may apply. It is accessible for recreational divers with advanced certifications due to potential depth and cold water.

Resources & Links

The wreck of the J.H. Sheadle serves as a tangible link to the industrial heritage of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by early freighters navigating these inland seas. Its location in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary makes it an important site for both historical research and recreational diving.