Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John H. Drake
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Likely around Buffalo or Oswego
- Dimensions: 80-100 ft (24-30 m) L × 20-25 ft (6-8 m) B × ~8 ft (2.4 m) D
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near harbor in northern Lake Huron or Michigan's shore
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner, typical dimensions ~80-100 ft L × 20-25 ft B × ~8 ft D.
Description
The John H. Drake was constructed in 1855, primarily for freight and lumber runs. It was a wooden vessel typical of its time, designed to navigate the Great Lakes.
History
On September 28, 1872, while hauling lumber, the John H. Drake encountered a fierce northwest gale as it attempted to enter a harbor. The vessel was unable to maintain its position and was driven ashore, resulting in catastrophic hull damage and its declaration as a total wreck. Fortunately, all crew members survived the incident.
Significant Incidents
- Event: The John H. Drake attempted to enter a harbor amid a fierce northwest gale.
- Outcome: The vessel was driven ashore and suffered catastrophic hull damage.
- Crew: All crew survived; no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The John H. Drake was declared a total wreck after being stranded in shallow water. The exact details of its final disposition remain unclear, and further research is needed to ascertain the fate of the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility may vary depending on the specific location of the grounding.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-h-drake-1855″ title=”References & Links”]
Further research is encouraged to uncover more details about the John H. Drake, including its official registry, precise grounding location, and eyewitness accounts of the incident.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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