Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. Oswald Boyd
- Type: Steel-hulled propeller fuel tanker, twin-engine
- Year Built: 1913
- Builder: Bow, McLachlan & Co., Paisley, Scotland
- Dimensions: 244 × 44 × 20 ft; 1,806 GRT / 1,273 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 1,806 GRT / 1,273 NRT
- Location: Simmons Reef, north side of Beaver Island
- Official Number: 223043
- Original Owners: Gotham Marine Corp., New York, NY
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled propeller fuel tanker, twin-engine.
Description
The J. Oswald Boyd was a steel-hulled propeller fuel tanker built in 1913. It measured 244 feet in length, 44 feet in beam, and had a depth of 20 feet. The vessel was registered with a gross tonnage of 1,806 and a net tonnage of 1,273.
History
The J. Oswald Boyd was owned by Gotham Marine Corp. based in New York, NY. It served primarily in the transportation of fuel, specifically gasoline, across the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents include:
- Stranded on Simmons Reef during a blizzard on November 11, 1936, while carrying approximately 900,000 to 1,500,000 gallons of gasoline.
- All ~20 crew members were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- On January 1, 1937, a salvage operation led to a catastrophic explosion while siphoning gasoline, resulting in the destruction of the ferry Marold II and the deaths of five local salvors.
Final Disposition
The burned tanker remained stranded until June 1937, when it was moved to Detour, Michigan, and ultimately scrapped in 1942. Structural remnants were likely dismantled during salvage operations, and no intact wreck remains in situ.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the J. Oswald Boyd is no longer intact, as it was scrapped in 1942. The site may contain debris from the vessel, but no significant structure remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-oswald-boyd-us-223043″ title=”References & Links”]
The J. Oswald Boyd serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by fuel tankers in the early 20th century, particularly during winter operations. The tragic explosion of the Marold II during salvage efforts highlights the dangers associated with handling volatile cargo.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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