Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Jennibel
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: A. C. Stokes, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 94 ft × 24 ft × 8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 132 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
- Location: Off Chambers Island, Green Bay
- Official Number: 12975
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner, built in 1863, designed for cargo transport.
Description
The Jennibel was a wooden schooner measuring approximately 94 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth. It was registered at 132 gross tons and was primarily used for transporting cargo.
History
Constructed by A. C. Stokes in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Jennibel served in the Great Lakes shipping industry. It was involved in transporting various goods, including cordwood and hemlock bark, intended for the tanning industry.
Significant Incidents
- Departure: The vessel departed from Egg Harbor, Door County Peninsula, with cargo bound for Plum Island.
- Capsize: A sudden southern squall capsized the vessel near Plum Island, leading to a rescue by the tug Gregory.
- Towing Attempt: The Gregory attempted to tow the Jennibel to safety, but it sank in approximately 100 ft of water south of Chambers Island.
Final Disposition
The Jennibel sank intact initially, but a 1960s salvage attempt caused the wreck to split into two sections. Both parts fell back to the lakebed, and the site remains well-preserved, with visible cargo and internal structure.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located at a depth of approximately 100 ft (30 m) off Chambers Island. The hull initially sank intact, but the 1960s raising attempt partially separated the bow and stern. The site is well-preserved, allowing divers to observe the deck load, internal structure, and cargo.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”jennibel-us-12975″ title=”References & Links”]
The Jennibel represents a significant maritime loss in the Great Lakes, showcasing the hazards of sudden weather changes. Its largely intact wreck provides valuable insights into late 19th-century commercial vessel design and operations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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