J. W. Blake (I. W. Blake) (1853)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: J. W. Blake (I. W. Blake)
• Type: Wooden scow-schooner (unrigged barge)
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder: Dover, OH
• Dimensions: Length 68 ft (20.73 m); Beam 18 ft; Depth of hold 3 ft
• Registered Tonnage: Approximately 33 tons (old measure)
• Location: Roughly 4 miles off Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The J. W. Blake is classified as a wooden scow-schooner, which is an unrigged barge type of vessel. This design was common in the mid-19th century, particularly for transporting cargo such as lumber.

Description

Built in 1853 in Dover, Ohio, the J. W. Blake measured 68 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and had a depth of 3 feet. It was primarily used for carrying lumber at the time of its final incident.

History

The J. W. Blake had a brief service history, primarily engaged in the transportation of lumber. On June 2, 1855, it encountered a sudden squall while navigating Lake Michigan, leading to its capsizing.

Significant Incidents

• Date: 2 June 1855
• Location: Roughly 4 miles off Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
• Circumstances: Caught unexpectedly in a sudden squall, she capsized swiftly.
• Crew: All survived by escaping in the yawl; however, one crewman—who was asleep below decks—nearly drowned.

Final Disposition

Following the capsizing, the J. W. Blake was considered a total loss. There are conflicting reports regarding its recovery and potential rebuilding, but specifics remain undocumented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility for divers has not been detailed in available records.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-w-blake-i-w-blake-1853″ title=”References & Links”]

The J. W. Blake serves as a significant representation of early mid-century scow-schooners, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden weather changes on the Great Lakes and the importance of safety measures for crew members.