Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Jane Miller
• Type: Coastal Steamer
• Year Built: 1879
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 78 ft (23.8 m); Width: 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 45.7 m / 150 ft
• Location: Lake Huron, near Ontario
• Official Number: 78022

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Jane Miller was a small wooden coastal steamer designed for passenger and cargo transport along the shores of the Great Lakes. These vessels were vital for connecting communities and facilitating trade in the late 19th century.

Description

Built in 1879, the Jane Miller was a relatively new vessel when it sank in 1881. It had a short but active career, serving as a link for coastal towns. The vessel’s double expansion steam engine provided efficient propulsion, and its compact design allowed it to navigate shallow ports and narrow waterways.

The Jane Miller sank during a violent storm on November 25, 1881, while carrying passengers and cargo from Meaford, Ontario, across Georgian Bay. The tragedy resulted in the loss of all 28 people aboard, making it one of the most significant maritime disasters in Georgian Bay’s history.

Significant Incidents

• The Jane Miller sank during a storm on November 25, 1881, resulting in the loss of all 28 people aboard.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies at a depth of 150 ft (45.7 m) in Lake Huron near Ontario.

• The hull is intact, though the upper cabins have collapsed.
• The pilot house, which was initially collapsed around the ship’s wheel, has been disturbed, exposing the wheel and bell.
• Three of the lifeboat davits remain upright, and the mast is intact, including its top.
• The site contains a cache of personal and commercial artifacts, such as glassware and dishes, mostly buried under silt and encrusted with invasive mussels.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck was discovered in 2017 by a team of maritime archaeologists and has since been documented for its historical significance. The exact coordinates remain undisclosed to protect the site from unauthorized exploration.

The depth and condition of the Jane Miller require advanced diving skills, as the wreck lies at 150 ft. Divers must also be prepared to navigate silty conditions that can affect visibility. The site is protected, and the removal of artifacts is strictly prohibited to preserve its historical and cultural value.

Resources & Links

As you explore the Jane Miller, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this significant maritime site.