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.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Vessel Name: Joe. Also Known As: Gilphie
- Year of Build: 1881
- Vessel Type: Yacht
- Length: 75 feet (22.86 meters)
- Beam: 11.6 feet (3.54 meters)
- Depth: 11 feet (3.35 meters)
- Deaths: None recorded
- Final Location: Near Whippoorwill Shore, near Lion’s Head, ON., Lake Huron
- GPS Coordinates: [GPS coordinates not available]
HISTORY
The *Joe* was a wooden yacht built in 1881 at Lockport, New York, by the shipbuilding firm Morgan & Sutton. This vessel was designed for leisure and private use, reflecting the era’s growing interest in recreational boating. Its construction was solid and typical of the yachts of its time, with a length of 75 feet, a beam of 11.6 feet, and a depth of 11 feet, making it a substantial and seaworthy craft.
Originally registered in the United States, the yacht changed hands several times during its service life. In 1892, the vessel was sold to Canadian interests and was re-registered under the Canadian registry number C85370. It was at this time that the yacht was renamed *Gilphie*. The vessel underwent significant modifications in 1896, which increased its gross tonnage to 19 tons and net tonnage to 18 tons. By 1899, *Gilphie* was owned by Brown & Co., a firm based in Ottawa, Ontario.
The yacht *Joe* had a varied history, serving different owners and undergoing a significant rebuild in 1896. This rebuild not only extended the vessel’s operational life but also enhanced its capabilities, allowing it to serve more effectively in its role as a private yacht. The change in ownership in 1899 marked the yacht’s transition to a more commercial purpose under the ownership of Brown & Co., though details of its operations during this period remain sparse.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The final chapter in the *Joe’s* history occurred on 22 July 1909, when the vessel met its fate near Whippoorwill Shore, close to Lion’s Head on Lake Huron. The yacht grounded in this location and subsequently caught fire. Despite efforts to save her, the vessel was declared a total loss. The exact cause of the grounding remains unclear, but it is believed that navigational errors or adverse weather conditions may have played a role.
NOTES
The information about the *Joe* has been carefully preserved, notably within the collection of C. Patrick Labadie, a respected maritime historian. His collection offers valuable insights into the vessel’s history and the circumstances surrounding its demise.
REFERENCES AND LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes (www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes)
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships, collection of C. Patrick Labadie
- Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection
- Great Lakes Maritime Database** (https://greatlakeships.org)