Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.L. Crane
- Type: wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Near Crisp Point, Lake Superior
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner-barge, tonnage unknown.
Description
The J.L. Crane was a wooden schooner-barge laden with pulpwood. Exact dimensions and official registry are undocumented.
History
The J.L. Crane was towed by the steamer Herman H. Hettler when it encountered severe weather conditions, including high seas and winds reported up to 80 mph. The towing post of the Hettler reportedly tore out, causing the Crane to drift and subsequently sink.
Significant Incidents
- Date: November 5, 1925
- Cargo: Pulpwood
- Tow Vessel: Under tow by the steamer Herman H. Hettler
- Conditions: High seas with reported winds up to 80 mph
- Location: Near Crisp Point, Lake Superior (downbound from Pigeon River toward Muskegon)
Final Disposition
The entire crew was lost when the barge sank; no survivors were reported. No salvage attempts were documented, and the vessel was declared lost. The wreck likely lies in deep water near Crisp Point, making recovery unlikely.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The J.L. Crane remains unlocated and uncharted. The precise wreck site is unknown, and the depth likely exceeds snorkelable limits, requiring sonar and ROV survey for further investigation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-l-crane” title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the J.L. Crane on November 5, 1925, highlights the dangers of tow operations in severe Great Lakes weather. The incident underscores the need for detailed archival and archaeological follow-up to better understand the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →