Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John F. Eddy
- Type: Barge
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan (Hull #76)
- Dimensions: Length 259 ft (78.9 m); Beam 38 ft (11.6 m); Depth 20 ft (6.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,678
- Location: Approximately 7 miles off West Sister Island, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 76645
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally a steam-powered bulk freighter, the John F. Eddy was later converted into a wooden barge for cargo transport.
Description
The John F. Eddy was constructed in 1886 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company in Wyandotte, Michigan. Measuring 259 feet in length, the vessel was initially designed as a steam-powered bulk freighter. Between 1910 and 1916, it underwent a conversion into a barge, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime commerce during that period.
History
Throughout its operational life, the John F. Eddy served as a vital component in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. After its conversion to a barge, it continued to play a significant role in the coal trade, a critical industry for the region’s economy.
Significant Incidents
On November 13, 1920, while being towed by the tug Custodian, the John F. Eddy encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. Approximately 7 miles off West Sister Island, the vessel began taking on water and eventually sank. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
Due to its position posing a hazard to navigation, the wreck was later dynamited to eliminate the obstruction.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the exact location of the John F. Eddy’s wreck has not been definitively identified or documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-f-eddy-us-76645″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the John F. Eddy serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during the volatile weather conditions of late autumn. The vessel’s transformation from a steam-powered freighter to a barge reflects the adaptability required in maritime industries, and its eventual loss underscores the perils inherent in Great Lakes navigation.
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.
The John F. Eddy was a wooden bulk freight barge that met its demise in Lake Erie on November 13, 1920. Originally constructed as a steam-powered freighter, the vessel was later converted into a barge and ultimately sank during a severe storm while under tow.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John F. Eddy
- Official Number: 76645
- Date Built: 1886
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan (Hull #76)
- Dimensions: Length 259 ft (78.9 m), Beam 38 ft (11.6 m), Depth 20 ft (6.1 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 1,678
- Net Tonnage: 1,252
- Date Lost: November 13, 1920
- Location: Approximately 7 miles off West Sister Island, Lake Erie
- Cause of Loss: Sprang a leak during a gale while under tow
- Cargo: Coal
- Crew: No fatalities reported
Vessel Type
Originally a steam-powered bulk freighter, the John F. Eddy was later converted into a wooden barge for cargo transport.
Description
The John F. Eddy was constructed in 1886 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company in Wyandotte, Michigan. Measuring 259 feet in length, the vessel was initially designed as a steam-powered bulk freighter. Between 1910 and 1916, it underwent a conversion into a barge, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime commerce during that period.
History
Throughout its operational life, the John F. Eddy served as a vital component in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. After its conversion to a barge, it continued to play a significant role in the coal trade, a critical industry for the region’s economy.
Final Disposition
On November 13, 1920, while being towed by the tug Custodian, the John F. Eddy encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. Approximately 7 miles off West Sister Island, the vessel began taking on water and eventually sank. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. Due to its position posing a hazard to navigation, the wreck was later dynamited to eliminate the obstruction.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, the exact location of the John F. Eddy’s wreck has not been definitively identified or documented.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding the John F. Eddy wreck site.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
- Lake Erie Shipwreck Map
- Marsh Historical Collection – Marine News
- WorthPoint
Conclusion
The sinking of the John F. Eddy serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during the volatile weather conditions of late autumn. The vessel’s transformation from a steam-powered freighter to a barge reflects the adaptability required in maritime industries, and its eventual loss underscores the perils inherent in Great Lakes navigation.
Suggested Keywords and Categories:
- Keywords: John F. Eddy, Lake Erie shipwreck, 1920 maritime incident, Great Lakes barge, Custodian tug
- Categories: Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Early 20th Century Shipping
- Glossary Terms:
- Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel used for transporting goods, typically towed by another vessel.
- Gross Tonnage: A measure of the overall internal volume of a ship.
- Net Tonnage: The volume of cargo a ship can carry.
- Hull Number: A unique identifier assigned to a ship’s hull during construction.