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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Vessel Details
- Name: J. W. Blake (also reported as I. W. Blake)
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner (unrigged barge)
- Built: 1853 at Dover, OH
- Dimensions:
- Length: 68 ft
- Beam: 18 ft
- Depth: 3 ft
- Tonnage: Approximately 33 tons (old measure) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Cargo: Lumber at time of final incident
Incident & Loss
- Date: 2 June 1855
- Location: Roughly 4 miles off Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan (Wikipedia, 2manitowoc.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- 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 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Wreck Site & Aftermath
- Initial Assessment: The vessel was considered a total loss following capsizing (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Post-Incident Status: Conflicting reports indicate she may have been later recovered and rebuilt; specifics of salvage or rebuild remain undocumented.
Significance
- Represents early mid-century scow-schooners heavily reliant on small crew and minimal rigging
- Demonstrates the sudden peril presented by white or summer squalls on the Great Lakes
- Crew survival highlights effective use of basic safety craft—a yawl—for emergency escape
Summary Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1853, Dover, OH |
| Type | Wooden scow-schooner, 68 × 18 × 3 ft, 33 tons |
| Final Voyage | June 2, 1855, off Sturgeon Bay, WI |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Cause of Loss | Capsized in squall |
| Casualties | None; one near-fatality |
| Aftermath | Declared total loss; possible rebuild later |
Source
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: Detailed record for J.W. Blake including build info, dimensions, incident description, location, and crew outcome (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Wikipedia)
Recommended Next Steps
- Newspaper Archives (June 1855): Publications around Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and nearby harbors might carry eyewitness accounts or mention salvage operations.
- Vessel Documentation: Checking the 1855 enrollment and post-loss registry may clarify whether the vessel was indeed recovered and rebuilt.
- Maritime Registries: Later records (~1856–1860) might include a rebuilt J.W. Blake, confirming salvage action.