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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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