Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Jorge B
- Type: Fishing Tug
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 50 ft (15.2 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 11 m / 36 ft
- Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: 41° 56.304′ N, 82° 29.06′ W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Jorge B was a fishing tug designed specifically for commercial fishing operations on the Great Lakes. These vessels were built to be durable, with reinforced hulls capable of withstanding harsh lake conditions and supporting heavy fishing equipment like gill nets and net reels. Fishing tugs like the Jorge B were a common sight on Lake Erie, contributing to its reputation as one of the world’s most productive freshwater fisheries.
Description
The Jorge B now rests on the sandy bottom of Lake Erie, near Point Pelee. The wreck is notable for its open stern, which is partially buried in the sand, while its pilot house still stands above the seabed, creating a distinctive feature for divers. Though shallow at 36 feet, the wreck presents challenges such as poor visibility, entanglement hazards from fishing nets, and proximity to active boat traffic.
History
The Jorge B was an active participant in Lake Erie’s bustling commercial fishing industry. Equipped with specialized fishing tools, it played a vital role in supplying fish to markets across North America. The exact circumstances and date of the vessel’s sinking remain unknown, but it became a notable shipwreck near Point Pelee, remembered for its historical significance in the region’s fishing heritage.
Significant Incidents
- Visibility: Often poor, requiring divers to use extra caution.
- Entanglement Hazards: Fishnets and other remnants of the vessel’s fishing operations may pose risks.
- Boat Traffic: The area is frequented by vessels, so divers should use surface markers and adhere to safe diving protocols.
- Protection from Winds: The site is sheltered from southwest winds by Pelee Point, providing some stability during dives.
Final Disposition
The wreck was discovered at its present location near Point Pelee, becoming a known dive site for its combination of historical and underwater exploration appeal. The date of its discovery is not specifically recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Jorge B is a testament to Lake Erie’s rich history of commercial fishing. Despite the challenges it presents to divers, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with visible remnants like the pilot house and fishing equipment creating a unique underwater exploration experience. The Jorge B stands as a poignant reminder of the hardworking vessels that contributed to the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”jorge-b” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As you explore the wreck of the Jorge B, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting the site and its history.
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
- Vessel Name: Jorge B
- Vessel Type: Fishing Tug
- Location of Wreck: Point Pelee, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: 41° 56.304′ N, 82° 29.06′ W
- Depth at Wreck Site: 36 feet (11 meters)
- Length: 50 feet (15.2 meters)
Vessel Type Description
The Jorge B was a fishing tug designed specifically for commercial fishing operations on the Great Lakes. These vessels were built to be durable, with reinforced hulls capable of withstanding harsh lake conditions and supporting heavy fishing equipment like gill nets and net reels. Fishing tugs like the Jorge B were a common sight on Lake Erie, contributing to its reputation as one of the world’s most productive freshwater fisheries.
History
The Jorge B was an active participant in Lake Erie’s bustling commercial fishing industry. Equipped with specialized fishing tools, it played a vital role in supplying fish to markets across North America. The exact circumstances and date of the vessel’s sinking remain unknown, but it became a notable shipwreck near Point Pelee, remembered for its historical significance in the region’s fishing heritage.
Final Disposition
The Jorge B now rests on the sandy bottom of Lake Erie, near Point Pelee. The wreck is notable for its open stern, which is partially buried in the sand, while its pilot house still stands above the seabed, creating a distinctive feature for divers. Though shallow at 36 feet, the wreck presents challenges such as poor visibility, entanglement hazards from fishing nets, and proximity to active boat traffic.
Located By & Date
The wreck was discovered at its present location near Point Pelee, becoming a known dive site for its combination of historical and underwater exploration appeal. The date of its discovery is not specifically recorded.
NOTMARs & Advisories
- Visibility: Often poor, requiring divers to use extra caution.
- Entanglement Hazards: Fishnets and other remnants of the vessel’s fishing operations may pose risks.
- Boat Traffic: The area is frequented by vessels, so divers should use surface markers and adhere to safe diving protocols.
- Protection from Winds: The site is sheltered from southwest winds by Pelee Point, providing some stability during dives.
Resources & Links
- Canadian Boat Accidents Database: Information on historical vessel incidents.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
Conclusion
The wreck of the Jorge B is a testament to Lake Erie’s rich history of commercial fishing. Despite the challenges it presents to divers, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with visible remnants like the pilot house and fishing equipment creating a unique underwater exploration experience. The Jorge B stands as a poignant reminder of the hardworking vessels that contributed to the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.
Keywords •Jorge B•Fishing Tug•Lake Erie Shipwreck•Point Pelee•Commercial Fishing•Gill Nets•Great Lakes Maritime History•Shipwreck Diving•Boat Traffic Hazards
jorge-b 1950-03-14 07:52:00