Judge Kenefick – Lake Huron Freighter Shipwreck (1964)

Explore the wreck of Judge Kenefick, a former bulk carrier converted to a chemical barge, scuttled in Lake Huron after sustaining severe acid damage.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Judge Kenefick (H.J. McManus)
  • Type: Steel, single-screw steam bulk carrier
  • Year Built: 1925
  • Builder: Earles Shipbuilding Co., Hull, England
  • Dimensions: 253 ft × 43 ft × 18 ft; 1,745 gross tons
  • Registered Tonnage: 1,745 gross tons
  • Location: Southern Lake Huron
  • Official Number: 148430
  • Original Owners: Eastern Steamship Co., Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co., Leitch Transports Ltd., Norris Grain Co., Jemming Enterprises

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type

Steel, single-screw steam bulk carrier, originally built for general cargo transport.

Description

Description

The Judge Kenefick was a steel bulk carrier measuring 253 feet in length, 43 feet in beam, and 18 feet in depth. After conversion in 1961, it was renamed H.J. McManus and primarily used for transporting sulphuric acid.

History

History

Built in 1925, the Judge Kenefick served various owners over its nearly 40-year operational history. It was converted into a chemical barge in 1961, retaining its propulsion for towing duties.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

  • 1964: Hull corrosion due to sulphuric acid leakage led to the vessel being deemed unsafe and subsequently scuttled.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

On July 11, 1964, the H.J. McManus was deliberately scuttled in southern Lake Huron after sustaining irreversible structural damage from acid exposure.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is likely in poor structural condition due to acid damage. Its exact location remains undisclosed, and it may pose environmental hazards.

Resources & Links

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Summary

The Judge Kenefick, later known as H.J. McManus, represents a significant case in maritime history, illustrating the impacts of industrial practices on vessel integrity and the environment.

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