Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John E. Hall
- Type: Wooden Steambarge (Propeller-driven)
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Hanson & Scove
- Dimensions: Length: 139 ft (42.4 m); Beam: 28.6 ft (8.7 m); Depth: 10.9 ft (3.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 343.13 gross tons
- Location: Near Main Ducks, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: 76790
- Original Owners: Samuel Hall, various owners in Michigan, Donovan family of Oswego, New York
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John E. Hall was a wooden steambarge, commonly used on the Great Lakes for bulk cargo transportation. Propelled by steam engines and designed with a sturdy wooden hull, it was well-suited for the demands of towing barges and carrying goods across the lakes. These vessels were integral to the region’s economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Description
Constructed in 1889 by Hanson & Scove in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the John E. Hall began its service under Samuel Hall before transitioning to various owners in Michigan and eventually being purchased by the Donovan family of Oswego, New York. Captain Timothy Donovan commanded the vessel, which primarily transported bulk goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel’s operational stability and durability earned it a reputation as a dependable steambarge during its years of service.
History
The John E. Hall was lost on December 13, 1902, during a fierce nor’east gale on Lake Ontario. The vessel was towing the barge John R. Noyes when it encountered mechanical issues and became separated from its consort. Battling severe weather near Main Ducks, the John E. Hall foundered, taking all nine crew members aboard, including Captain Timothy Donovan and his son Jerome Donovan.
Initial hopes that the vessel might have sought shelter on the north shore or survived with ample fuel were dashed when no wreckage was discovered. The John E. Hall vanished entirely, leaving no trace of its final resting place.
Significant Incidents
- Captain Timothy Donovan
- Jerome Donovan (son of Captain Donovan)
- John Donovan (engineer)
- James Donovan (engineer)
- Thomas Corcoran (wheelsman)
- Daniel Biglow (wheelsman)
- Thomas Tyler (fireman)
- John Dixon (fireman)
- Mrs. Brown (steward)
Final Disposition
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for the John E. Hall. As the vessel was lost with no remains located, its disappearance does not pose a navigation hazard.
The wreck of the John E. Hall has never been located. Its exact resting place near Main Ducks, Lake Ontario, remains unknown, contributing to the mysteries of the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the John E. Hall vanished without a trace, no wreckage has been found or documented. Its disappearance makes it inaccessible for exploration, preserving its story as one of the many enigmas of the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-e-hall-us-76790″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The tragic loss of the John E. Hall underscores the perils of Great Lakes navigation, particularly during winter storms. The vessel’s fate highlights the unpredictability of weather and the challenges faced by mariners in the early 20th century. The Donovan family’s deep connection to the ship and the loss of multiple family members on its final voyage add a poignant human dimension to the story. The John E. Hall’s disappearance is emblematic of the Great Lakes’ storied history, where many vessels and their crews vanished without a trace, leaving behind legacies steeped in mystery and courage.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →