Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James Mowatt
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Wolf & Davidson in Milwaukee
- Dimensions: 166 × 33 × 13 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 523 gross / 497 net tons
- Location: Alpena Harbor, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 76518
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden schooner-barge, often towed by steamers.
Description
The James Mowatt was a wooden schooner-barge built in 1884 by Wolf & Davidson in Milwaukee. It measured 166 feet in length, 33 feet in beam, and had a depth of 13 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of 523 gross and 497 net tons, primarily operating on lumber routes in Lake Huron.
History
The James Mowatt was operational from its construction in 1884 until its sinking in 1919. It was primarily based in Milwaukee and was active in transporting lumber across Lake Huron.
Significant Incidents
- Sinking Event – October 10, 1919: The James Mowatt sank in Alpena Harbor after colliding with a stone jetty in heavy fog or low visibility. The collision resulted in a total loss of the vessel.
- Crew Safety: All crew members were safely rescued, and there were no fatalities reported.
Final Disposition
The James Mowatt was confirmed as a total loss following the collision. It is not located within any National Marine Sanctuary, including the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary or the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented in the available sources. Accessibility for divers may vary based on local regulations and conditions.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”james-mowatt-us-76518″ title=”References & Links”]
The James Mowatt remains a significant historical wreck in Lake Huron, with its sinking providing insight into maritime navigation challenges of the early 20th century. Further research into newspaper archives may yield additional details about the incident.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →