Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John J. Boland Jr. (formerly Tyneville)
- Type: Steel Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1928
- Builder: Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson
- Dimensions: Length: 253 ft (77.1 m); Beam: 44 ft (13.4 m); Depth of hold: 24 ft (7.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,939 tons
- Location: Lake Erie, near Port Colborne, Ontario
- Official Number: 149467
- Original Owners: Sarnia Steamship Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John J. Boland Jr. was a steel bulk freighter designed for transporting heavy cargoes across the Atlantic and Great Lakes.
Description
Originally launched as the Tyneville in 1928, the John J. Boland Jr. was built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. This vessel measured 253 feet in length, 44 feet in beam, and 24 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 1,939 tons. It was equipped with a screw propulsion system powered by a triple expansion engine, capable of navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes.
History
The vessel initially served under the British flag and was sold to the Sarnia Steamship Company in 1929, after which it was renamed John J. Boland Jr. It primarily transported coal across the Great Lakes until its tragic loss.
Significant Incidents
- October 5, 1932: The John J. Boland Jr. capsized and foundered during a violent gale while en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Hamilton, Ontario.
- Of the 19 crew members, 15 survived by clinging to an upturned lifeboat, while 4 tragically lost their lives.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the John J. Boland Jr. lies at an unknown depth in Lake Erie, serving as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners in these waters.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck’s condition is challenging to access due to its depth and potential hazards, making it a site for experienced divers.
Resources & Links
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The story of the John J. Boland Jr. is a poignant chapter in maritime history, reflecting the bravery of those who navigated the Great Lakes and the risks they faced.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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