Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.R. Crowe
- Type: Wooden propeller steam barge
- Year Built: Unknown (active 1870–1873)
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length 96 ft (29.26 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Driven ashore at night, about a boat’s length from Leamington dock, Lake Erie, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Propeller Steam Barge, 1870–1873
Description
The J.R. Crowe was a wooden propeller steam barge that operated on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting cargo such as stone.
History
In a violent overnight storm, fully laden with stone, J.R. Crowe was driven ashore at Leamington. The gale’s strength pushed her onto shallow nearshore shoals, where waves battered the hull, ultimately causing the barge to break apart despite rescue and salvage efforts.
Significant Incidents
- October 24, 1873: Driven ashore during a storm, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
- Declared a total wreck after continuous wave damage.
- Crew remained safe; no loss of life recorded.
- Ownership records managed to remain active until 1898, suggesting no salvage and formal abandonment.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the J.R. Crowe is considered a total loss, with the hull abandoned due to extensive damage from waves.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-r-crowe-1870″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the J.R. Crowe serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mid-19th-century steam-powered cargo vessels, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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