John Walters

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: JOHN WALTERS
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length 108 ft 5 in (33 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 5 m / 15 ft
• Location: Tobermory, Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact location not specified; within Tobermory’s designated dive area.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The JOHN WALTERS was a classic schooner, characterized by its two or more masts and fore-and-aft rigging. At 108 feet 5 inches in length, it exemplified the efficient and graceful design of 19th-century sailing vessels built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the JOHN WALTERS were integral to the thriving regional economy, transporting goods and materials across vast waterways.

Description

The JOHN WALTERS served as a testament to the bustling maritime activity of the 19th-century Great Lakes. Schooners like it were essential for the movement of goods during a time when waterways were the most efficient transportation routes.

On November 20, 1883, the JOHN WALTERS faced a fierce storm while navigating the waters of Lake Huron. The storm not only claimed the JOHN WALTERS but also other vessels, including the schooner China. The violent weather caused the schooner to strand and eventually break apart, settling on the sandy bottom near Tobermory.

Despite its tragic end, the wreck of the JOHN WALTERS has since become an artificial reef, fostering a diverse marine habitat. It also attracts divers from around the world, becoming a cherished part of Tobermory’s underwater heritage.

History

The wreck lies in shallow, clear waters at a depth of 15 feet. While the vessel has broken apart, the wreckage remains scattered and visible, offering a fascinating dive experience. Its shallow depth makes it a popular site for novice divers, providing a safe and engaging environment to explore Great Lakes maritime history and observe underwater ecosystems.

Significant Incidents

• November 20, 1883: The JOHN WALTERS sank during a fierce storm in Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

The exact details of the wreck’s discovery are undocumented, but it is now a well-documented and frequently visited dive site in Tobermory, part of Canada’s National Marine Conservation Area.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The shallow nature of the wreck requires boat operators to approach with caution to avoid grounding or disturbing the site. Divers should practice proper buoyancy control to minimize disturbance to the wreckage and surrounding marine life.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the JOHN WALTERS is a valuable site for exploring Great Lakes maritime history and the dynamic ecosystems of Lake Huron. Its shallow depth makes it accessible to novice divers, offering them an opportunity to hone their skills while experiencing the beauty of underwater exploration. This historical artifact now serves as a living reef, blending history with nature in a unique and memorable way.