Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James Navagh
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: Baker & Navagh shipyard, Oswego, New York
- Dimensions: ~128 × 26 × 12 ft (conflicting sources; see Notes)
- Registered Tonnage: 276 gross tons
- Location: Struck north of Twin River Point (near Two Rivers, Wisconsin)
- Official Number: 13304
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner, designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The James Navagh was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1857. It was primarily used for transporting cargo, including wheat, across the Great Lakes.
History
Constructed at the Baker & Navagh shipyard in Oswego, New York, the James Navagh served various owners throughout its operational life. It was known for its capacity to carry significant cargo loads.
Significant Incidents
- Encountered a severe storm while heavily laden with wheat.
- Struck a shoal north of Twin River Point, resulting in catastrophic hull damage.
- Breakage amidships caused the vessel to split in two.
- The stern section sank immediately, carrying the yawl boat with it. The cabin flooded rapidly.
Final Disposition
The vessel was declared a total loss with no effort to salvage the hull. Its split sections sank separately; no remains were recovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is confirmed as a total loss, with no remains visible or recoverable. The site may be of interest for historical and archaeological studies.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”james-navagh-us-13304″ title=”References & Links”]
The James Navagh serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during late-fall storms. Its loss highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels under severe weather conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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