Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John Thursby
- Type: Schooner, wood
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: R. L. Page, Cattaraugus, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 251 gt (360 tons in measurement)
- Location: Near Antrim City, Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: string
- Official Number: 12772
- Original Owners: Chas. Coats, Cleveland
- Number of Masts: two or more
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type & Design
The John Thursby was a wooden schooner, built in 1857 by R.L. Page in Cattaraugus, New York. With a gross tonnage of 251 tons (about 360 tons in measurement), it was a sizable vessel for its time. As a schooner, it had two or more masts, designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the John Thursby were commonly used for carrying bulk freight such as grain, coal, and timber.
Description
Description
The John Thursby was primarily engaged in transporting agricultural products, notably wheat. Its construction as a wooden schooner made it well-suited for the conditions of the Great Lakes, although it was vulnerable to the sudden storms that could arise in the region.
History
History
On October 7, 1867, the John Thursby set sail from Milwaukee bound for Cleveland, carrying 14,500 bushels of wheat. However, she was immediately caught in a violent storm on Lake Michigan. The storm drove the schooner ashore near the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay, near Antrim City, where it was reported as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Caught in a violent storm on Lake Michigan on October 7, 1867.
- Stranded near Antrim City, resulting in a total loss of the vessel.
- All crew members escaped without harm.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition & Recovery
While the John Thursby was reported as a total loss, there are indications that it may have been recovered later. It remained listed in the Merchant Vessels records through 1869 and possibly as late as 1875, suggesting that either some recovery or salvage efforts may have occurred. This is not uncommon for vessels that were driven ashore but had portions of their hull or cargo retrievable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John Thursby is not accessible for salvage or recovery due to its status as a confirmed wreck. Divers should be aware of the conditions in Grand Traverse Bay, which can change rapidly.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-thursby-us-12772″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The John Thursby was a wooden schooner that suffered a storm-related wreck near the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay on October 8, 1867. While the vessel was lost, the crew survived the ordeal. The schooner’s cargo of wheat was likely lost with the vessel, though it is possible that some recovery occurred, given its listing in records years after the incident. The storm and the vessel’s stranding exemplify the perils that ships on Lake Michigan faced during this era, particularly in the fall months when sudden storms could arise without warning.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →