Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. H. Stevens
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven cargo steamer
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Presque Isle, Michigan
- Original Owners: Captain John Angwall
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven cargo steamer.
Description
Description
The J. H. Stevens was a wooden cargo steamer that tragically caught fire on June 10, 1927, near Presque Isle, Michigan. The vessel was consumed by flames, leading to its total loss, but all five crew members were rescued without injury.
History
History
Owned by Captain John Angwall in 1927, the J. H. Stevens was part of the Great Lakes shipping fleet. Specific details regarding her construction, tonnage, and dimensions are currently unrecorded and require further archival research.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On June 10, 1927, the J. H. Stevens caught fire offshore near Presque Isle, Michigan, resulting in a total loss of the vessel.
- All five crew members survived the incident without injury.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The J. H. Stevens is believed to rest offshore near Presque Isle, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The vessel was destroyed by fire, and any remaining structure may be submerged, fragmented, and deteriorated. No dive or remote-sensing expeditions have been documented, and no Notices to Mariners or hazard markings were subsequently issued.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is likely to be fragmented and deteriorated due to the fire. As of now, there have been no documented expeditions to assess the current condition of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-h-stevens-1927″ title=”References & Links”]
Significance
The J. H. Stevens reflects the vulnerabilities of small wooden steam vessels operating in the early 20th century Great Lakes. The fire-related loss, with the full crew rescued, provides a case study in maritime safety response and wooden steamer fire suppression. Locating and studying the wreck could yield insights into mid-size cargo steamer construction and vessel contingency protocols of the mid-1920s.
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.
Identification & Vessel Details
- Name: J. H. Stevens
- Type: Wooden propeller‑driven cargo steamer
- Loss Date & Location: June 10, 1927 – Lake Huron, near Presque Isle, Michigan
- Casualties: None — all 5 crew rescued safely ([turn0search4])
Incident & Final Voyage
- On June 10, 1927, J. H. Stevens caught fire offshore near Presque Isle, Michigan. The blaze consumed the vessel, resulting in a total loss.
- All five crew members survived the disaster without injury. ([turn0search4])
Vessel Background & Ownership
- Owned in 1927 by Captain John Angwall, a seasoned Great Lakes vessel owner/operator. ([turn0search4])
- Specific details about her build year, tonnage, and dimensions remain unrecorded and require further archival exploration.
Wreck Site & Current Condition
- Final resting place: Likely offshore near Presque Isle, Michigan, Lake Huron.
- The vessel was destroyed by fire; any surviving structure may lie submerged, fragmented, and deteriorated. No dive or remote‑sensing expeditions have been documented.
- No Notices to Mariners or hazard markings were subsequently issued.
Sources & Citations
- Personal accounts and shipping registry confirm the vessel was burned to a total loss on June 10, 1927, in Lake Huron near Presque Isle, with no loss of life. ([turn0search4])
Unresolved Questions & Research Opportunities
| Topic | Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Specifications & Design | Retrieve U.S. Enrollment Records or Great Lakes Vessel Registries to document build, engine, and owner information. |
| Fire Circumstances | Review June 1927 issues of Detroit Free Press, Bay City Times, and regional Michigan newspapers for eyewitness reports, cargo details, and cause of fire. |
| Company Records | Seek Captain Angwall’s business documents, which may list J. H. Stevens among his owned vessels. |
| Site Survey | Conduct side‑scan sonar and ROV sweeps near Presque Isle to locate any remaining wreckage. |
| Crew Accounts | Identify crew names via U.S. Coast Guard incident logs or employer records for survivor testimonies. |
Significance
J. H. Stevens reflects the enduring vulnerabilities of small wooden steam vessels operating in early 20th-century Great Lakes waters — even during peak navigation seasons. The fire-related loss, with full crew rescue, offers a valuable case study in maritime safety response and wooden steamer fire suppression. While the wreck may be locally scattered, locating and studying it could yield insights into mid‑size cargo steamer construction and mid‑1920s vessel contingency protocols.
j-h-stevens-1927 1927-06-10 14:26:00