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

• Vessel Name: Jeska
• Year Built: 1909
• Official Number: 126128
• Type: Steam Barge
• Length: 108 feet (32.92 meters) Beam: 24 feet (7.32 meters) Depth: 12 feet (3.66 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 189 tons
• Final Location: Approximately 10 miles north of Fair Haven, New York, Lake Ontario
• Date of Wreck: October 7, 1926
• Cause of Loss: Foundered during a storm
• Deaths: Not reported
• Coordinates: 43.488432, -76.731417

Vessel Type Description

The Jeska was a wooden-hulled steam barge, constructed in 1909 by the Davis Drydock Company in Kingston, Ontario. Designed for durability and efficiency, steam barges like the Jeska were integral to early 20th-century Great Lakes commerce, transporting bulk goods such as coal, lumber, and grain across the region. The vessel’s dimensions and tonnage made her well-suited for navigating the varying conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Commissioned by the Smith & MacKenzie Company of Kingston, Ontario, the Jeska was launched in May 1909. Throughout her operational life, she primarily transported coal and lumber, frequently docking at ports like Oswego and Rochester, New York, as well as Montreal, Quebec. Her trade routes underscored her role in supporting the industrial and economic activities surrounding the Great Lakes.

The Sinking

On October 7, 1926, while navigating Lake Ontario approximately 10 miles north of Fair Haven, New York, the Jeska encountered severe weather conditions. The storm caused the vessel to take on water rapidly, leading to her foundering in waters reported to be about 300 feet deep. Specific details regarding the crew’s fate are not documented, but there are no reports indicating loss of life. The exact circumstances leading to the sinking remain unclear, though it is noted that the Jeska had previously stranded on Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario the prior year, suggesting possible structural vulnerabilities.

Final Disposition

• Date of Wreck: October 7, 1926
• Cause of Loss: Foundered during a storm
• Condition: The wreck rests in approximately 300 feet (91 meters) of water. Due to the depth and lack of specific location data, the Jeska has not been extensively surveyed or explored.

Located By & Date

• Located By: Not specifically documented
• Date of Discovery: Not specifically documented

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Jeska wreck site. Mariners operating in the vicinity of Fair Haven, New York, should consult current navigation charts and advisories for general safety information.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the depth of approximately 300 feet and the lack of precise coordinates, the Jeska’s wreck is not commonly visited by divers. The condition of the wreck is presumed to be relatively intact due to the cold, freshwater environment, which can slow the deterioration of wooden structures. However, without detailed surveys, the exact state remains speculative.

Resources & Links

• Naval Marine Archive
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Jeska’s service on the Great Lakes highlights the essential role steam barges played in early 20th-century commerce, facilitating the movement of vital commodities across key industrial regions. Her sinking in 1926 serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by mariners of that era, particularly when contending with the unpredictable and often perilous conditions of the Great Lakes. The exact location and condition of the Jeska’s wreck remain undetermined, offering potential opportunities for future exploration and study.

Keywords

• Jeska
• Steam Barge
• Lake Ontario Shipwreck
• Fair Haven, New York
• Great Lakes Maritime History
• Davis Drydock Company
• Smith & MacKenzie Company
• 1926 Shipwreck
• Great Lakes Storms
• Maritime Archaeology

Glossary

• Steam Barge: A type of vessel powered by steam engines, designed primarily for transporting bulk goods across inland waterways and the Great Lakes.
• Foundered: A term used to describe a vessel filling with water and sinking.
• NOTMARs (Notices to Mariners): Official communications issued to inform mariners of changes or hazards in navigational areas.

Please note that while the Jeska’s wreck has not been extensively documented or explored, it remains a significant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history.

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