Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Joe
- Type: Yacht
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Morgan & Sutton
- Dimensions: 75 ft (22.86 m); Beam: 11.6 ft (3.54 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.35 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 19 tons (gross); 18 tons (net)
- Location: Near Whippoorwill Shore, near Lion's Head, ON.
- Coordinates: GPS coordinates not available
- Official Number: C85370
- Original Owners: Brown & Co. (1899); previously owned by various interests
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The *Joe* was a wooden yacht designed for leisure and private use, reflecting the growing interest in recreational boating during the late 19th century.
Description
Built in 1881 at Lockport, New York, the *Joe* was constructed by the shipbuilding firm Morgan & Sutton. With a length of 75 feet, a beam of 11.6 feet, and a depth of 11 feet, it was a substantial and seaworthy craft.
History
Originally registered in the United States, the yacht was sold to Canadian interests in 1892 and re-registered under the Canadian registry number C85370, at which point it was renamed *Gilphie*. Significant modifications in 1896 increased its gross tonnage to 19 tons and net tonnage to 18 tons. By 1899, it was owned by Brown & Co., based in Ottawa, Ontario.
Significant Incidents
- 22 July 1909: The *Joe* grounded near Whippoorwill Shore and caught fire, leading to its total loss.
Final Disposition
The *Joe* was declared a total loss after grounding and subsequent fire on 22 July 1909. The exact cause of the grounding is unclear, but navigational errors or adverse weather conditions may have contributed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the *Joe* is located in Lake Huron, near Lion’s Head, ON. Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, respecting the site and leaving it as they found it.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”joe-1881″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The history of the *Joe* is preserved through various maritime collections, including that of C. Patrick Labadie, providing valuable insights into its legacy and the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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