Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James R. Bentley
- Type: Three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Bailey Bros.
- Dimensions: 170 ft (51.8 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 574.58 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18.3 m / 60 ft
- Location: Near 40 Mile Point, off the eastern Straits of Mackinac
- Official Number: C 12720
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The James R. Bentley was a classic wooden three-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These ships were primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber. The James R. Bentley was particularly noted for its length and tonnage, making it one of the more significant schooners of its time.
Description
Built in 1867 by Bailey Bros. in Fairport, Ohio, the James R. Bentley was a staple of Great Lakes shipping routes. The vessel’s sturdy construction and large cargo capacity made it well-suited for the bustling trade environment of the post-Civil War era. For over a decade, it transported goods between various ports, becoming a familiar sight on the lakes.
History
In November 1878, the James R. Bentley set sail from Chicago, Illinois, bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a large shipment of rye. During the voyage, it encountered heavy seas and struck a shoal near 40 Mile Point in Lake Huron. The collision caused severe damage, and despite the crew’s efforts to save the ship, it began to take on water rapidly. The crew was eventually rescued by the bark Erastus Corning, but the schooner was lost to the depths.
Significant Incidents
- November 1878: The James R. Bentley struck a shoal near 40 Mile Point during a voyage from Chicago to Buffalo, leading to its sinking.
Final Disposition
The James R. Bentley was lost in Lake Huron after striking a shoal. The crew was rescued, but the vessel remains submerged.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the James R. Bentley. However, mariners should be aware of the shoals and underwater hazards near 40 Mile Point.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”james-r-bentley-c-12720″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As divers explore the wreck of the James R. Bentley, it is essential to practice ethical diving. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that this historic site remains preserved for future generations.
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 & SITE INFORMATION
- Name: James R. Bentley
- Type: Three-masted schooner
- Built: 1867, Fairport, Ohio by Bailey Bros.
- Length: 170 feet (51.8 meters)
- Tonnage: 574.58 tons
- Final Resting Place: Near 40 Mile Point, off the eastern Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron
- Depth: Over 60 feet (18.3 meters)
- Cargo: 36,288 bushels of rye
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The James R. Bentley was a classic wooden three-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These ships were primarily used for transporting bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber. The James R. Bentley was particularly noted for its length and tonnage, making it one of the more significant schooners of its time.
HISTORY
Built in 1867 by Bailey Bros. in Fairport, Ohio, the James R. Bentley was a staple of Great Lakes shipping routes. The vessel’s sturdy construction and large cargo capacity made it well-suited for the bustling trade environment of the post-Civil War era. For over a decade, it transported goods between various ports, becoming a familiar sight on the lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION
In November 1878, the James R. Bentley set sail from Chicago, Illinois, bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a large shipment of rye. During the voyage, it encountered heavy seas and struck a shoal near 40 Mile Point in Lake Huron. The collision caused severe damage, and despite the crew’s efforts to save the ship, it began to take on water rapidly. The crew was eventually rescued by the bark Erastus Corning, but the schooner was lost to the depths.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the James R. Bentley. However, mariners should be aware of the shoals and underwater hazards near 40 Mile Point.