Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John B. Martin
- Type: Schooner-Barge
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Quayle & Martin
- Dimensions: Length: 220.16 ft (67.1 m); Beam: 34.16 ft (10.4 m); Depth of hold: 14.16 ft (4.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 938.79
- Depth at Wreck Site: 24.38 m / 80 ft
- Location: St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot, Michigan
- Official Number: 75717
- Original Owners: Bradley et al., Cleveland, Ohio
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Schooner-Barge
Description
The John Martin was a wooden schooner-barge constructed in 1873 by the shipbuilding firm Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio. Designed for bulk cargo transport, she featured a single deck and was rigged with three masts. With a length of 220.16 feet (67.1 meters), a beam of 34.16 feet (10.4 meters), and a depth of 14.16 feet (4.3 meters), the John Martin had a gross tonnage of 938.79 and a net tonnage of 890.87. She was initially owned by Bradley et al. of Cleveland, Ohio.
History
Launched on August 5, 1873, the John Martin was enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, and began her service primarily in the iron ore and grain trades on the Great Lakes. Throughout her operational life, she was frequently towed by steamers, including the Selah Chamberlain, E.B. Hale, and H.B. Chisholm. The vessel experienced several maritime incidents:
- October 23, 1876: Aground at Neebish Rapids, St. Mary’s River.
- October 1884: Broke loose from tow of steamer Selah Chamberlain and grounded at Duluth Piers; released undamaged.
- June 1889: Collided with schooner Kewenaw in St. Mary’s River; later that month, ashore above Encampment Island, Lake Superior; released and taken to Cleveland for overhaul.
- October 1898: Lost from tow of Henry Chisholm on Lake Superior; recovered by steamer Roman and towed to Sault Ste. Marie.
These incidents reflect the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during that era, with vessels often encountering treacherous conditions and navigational hazards.
Significant Incidents
On September 21, 1900, while under tow of the steamer Maurice P. Grover and carrying a cargo of iron ore, the John Martin collided with the steel steamer Yuma in the St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot, Michigan. The collision occurred just below the wreck site of the Fontana, another vessel that had sunk earlier that year. The impact caused the John Martin to sink rapidly, resulting in the loss of four lives: Captain James Lawless, Mate William Ross, Cook Mrs. Bacon, and a sailor named Charles Reister. The wreckage obstructed the shipping channel and was subsequently cleared to ensure safe navigation.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the John Martin was located shortly after the sinking in the St. Clair River near Fort Gratiot, Michigan. Due to its obstruction of the navigational channel, efforts were made to clear the wreckage to restore safe passage for other vessels.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Three-Masted Schooner Wreck offers divers a compelling blend of history, challenging conditions, and natural beauty. The schooner’s skeletal remains and fragmented structure are preserved on the riverbed. The wreck attracts diverse marine life, serving as an artificial reef and providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography. Key features, such as the ship’s ribs and masts, provide a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into its past.
Diving conditions at the site range from 65 to 80 feet, requiring divers to be comfortable with moderate depths. The St. Clair River is known for strong currents, posing significant challenges even for experienced divers. Visibility can be variable; divers should be prepared for limited visibility depending on current strength and sediment disturbance. The site is accessible from shore, making it convenient for divers with proper planning and preparation.
Resources & Links
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As an underwater grave, the Three-Masted Schooner Wreck demands respect. Divers should avoid disturbing the wreck or removing artifacts, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The wreck of the John Martin exemplifies the era’s maritime commerce and the inherent risks faced by vessels and their crews, contributing to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime heritage.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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