Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

John L. Shaw

Explore the well-preserved wreck of the John L. Shaw, a 19th-century schooner resting in Lake Huron, offering insights into maritime history and diving opportunities.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: John L. Shaw
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1885
  • Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
  • Dimensions: 217 ft (66.14 m); Beam: 39 ft (11.89 m); Depth of hold: null
  • Registered Tonnage: 928
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 39 m / 128 ft
  • Location: Near Harrisville, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The John L. Shaw was a large wooden schooner designed for carrying bulk cargoes, including coal and grain. By the late 19th century, it was common for schooners like the Shaw to be towed by steam barges to enhance operational efficiency.

Description

The Shaw sank on November 13, 1894, during a severe snowstorm while bound for Chicago under tow by the steam barge John F. Eddy. The vessel foundered off the coast of Harrisville, Michigan, in 128 feet of water. The crew abandoned ship and was rescued after drifting for several hours.

History

Constructed in 1885 in West Bay City, Michigan, the Shaw was primarily used for transporting coal. After its sinking, a wrecking company located the site, but recovery efforts were not pursued. The wreck remained undiscovered until July 2007, when local fisherman John Gauthier found it while setting fishing nets.

Significant Incidents

  • November 13, 1894: The Shaw sank during a snowstorm.
  • July 2007: Rediscovery of the wreck by fisherman John Gauthier.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Shaw is well-preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron. It is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws, and divers are encouraged to respect the site and avoid disturbing or removing artifacts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies at a depth of 128 ft (39 m) and is accessible to advanced divers with proper certifications. Visibility is generally excellent, although it can be affected by weather and sediment conditions.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-l-shaw” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The John L. Shaw serves as a significant historical site, illustrating the transition from sail to steam power in Great Lakes shipping. Its intact structure and preserved cargo provide valuable insights into maritime history, making it a noteworthy dive site for those interested in the region’s nautical heritage.

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.

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Shaw
  • Registry: Not documented
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1885
  • Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
  • Year Sank: November 13, 1894
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Dimensions
  • Length: 217 ft (66.14 m)
  • Beam: 39 ft (11.89 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 928

Vessel History

The Shaw was a large wooden schooner built in 1885, designed to carry bulk cargoes such as coal, grain, and other materials. By the late 19th century, schooners like the Shaw often sailed in tow of steam barges to increase efficiency and conserve crew effort.

On November 13, 1894, the Shaw was bound for Chicago under tow by the steam barge John F. Eddy, carrying a load of coal. During a severe snowstorm off the coast of Harrisville, Michigan, the schooner foundered and sank in 128 feet of water. The crew abandoned the ship in a yawl boat and drifted for several hours in the storm before being rescued by a passing steamer.

Shortly after the sinking, a wrecking company located the Shaw, but plans for recovery were abandoned. The wreck remained forgotten until July 2007, when local fisherman John Gauthier rediscovered the site while setting fishing nets.

Wreck Site Information

  • Lake: Lake Huron
  • State/Province: Michigan
  • Depth: 128 ft (39 m)
  • Location: Near Harrisville, Michigan

Site Description:

The Shaw lies in 128 ft of water and is well-preserved due to the cold, fresh conditions of Lake Huron. Key features of the wreck include:

• Structural Integrity:

• The hull remains largely intact, offering insights into late 19th-century schooner construction.

• Artifacts and Features:

• Cargo Hold: Coal remains visible in the hold, a tangible connection to the ship’s final voyage.

• Deck and Rigging: Portions of the deck and rigging are still extant.

• Anchors and Mooring Equipment: Noted in previous recovery attempts but not retrieved.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

The site lies at 128 ft (39 m), making it accessible to advanced recreational divers with proper deep-diving certifications.

• Visibility:

Lake Huron generally offers excellent visibility at this depth, though weather and sediment conditions may affect clarity.

• Preservation Status:

The wreck is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and refrain from disturbing or removing artifacts.

Site Significance

The Shaw represents a critical period in Great Lakes shipping, during the transition from sail to steam power. Its intact hull and preserved cargo provide valuable archaeological insights into schooner design and coal transport during the late 19th century.

Rediscovered in 2007, the Shaw is an important historical and recreational site for divers, offering a glimpse into the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during harsh weather. Its story of loss and rediscovery underscores the importance of preserving maritime history.

Keywords:

Shaw shipwreck, Lake Huron schooners, coal cargo vessels, Harrisville wrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, deep wreck diving.

3D Model

John L. Shaw by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

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