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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”judge-kenefick-h-j-mcmanus-148430″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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 & Construction
- Name: Judge Kenefick (renamed H.J. McManus in 1961)
- Official Number: 148430
- Year Built: 1925
- Yard: Earles Shipbuilding Co., Hull, England; launched January 30, 1925
- Type: Steel, single-screw steam bulk carrier
- Dimensions: 253 ft × 43 ft × 18 ft; 1,745 gross tons
- Engine: Triple expansion steam engine (17″‑28″‑46″ × 33″)
Ownership Timeline
- 1925–1936: Eastern Steamship Co., Port Colborne
- 1936–1953: Upper Lakes & St. Lawrence Transportation Co.
- 1952: Leitch Transports Ltd.
- 1953–1959: Norris Grain Co. (under Upper Lakes)
- 1960–1962: Jemming Enterprises (Midlake Steamship Co.)
In 1961, the vessel was converted into a chemical barge, renamed H.J. McManus, primarily for hauling sulphuric acid. Her propulsion and autonomy were retained for towing and transfer duties.
Final Disposition: Scuttled After Acid Cargo Damage
- On July 11, 1964, while loaded with sulphuric acid, H.J. McManus sustained hull corrosion due to cargo leakage.
- Found unsafe for further use and deemed a hazard, she was deliberately scuttled in southern Lake Huron.
- The decision sprang from irreversible structural damage linked to acid exposure, confirmed through internal corrosion inspections.
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Sources & Summary
- Coronation of vessel history through official registration, yard production, and company records (Upper Lakes, Norris Grain, and Midlake).
- Confirmed scuttling due to acid-induced hull perforation—a unique case of abandonment for safety reasons.
- Specific event mentioned in a 2013 maritime enthusiasts’ report noting the hull’s acid leakage and July 11, 1964 scuttling.
Research & Investigation Notes
- Wreck Site: Located somewhere in southern Lake Huron. Scuttling coordinates have not been made public.
- Wreck Condition: Likely in poor structural integrity due to acid damage; possible environmental hazard or artifact of industrial maritime history.
Next Steps for Exploration
- Locate official scuttling permit or Transport Canada/U.S. Coast Guard documents for July 1964—this may include coordinates.
- Consult Upper Lakes vessel files and Norris/Midlake corporate archives for barge conversion reports and acid cargo logs.
- Assess environmental records to determine if the wreck is monitored for chemical leakage or contamination.
- Field survey opportunity: Conduct ROV or sonar investigation to locate the wreck and evaluate structural/chemical conditions.
Summary
The Judge Kenefick (later H.J. McManus) served nearly 40 years on the Great Lakes before her final conversion into a sulphuric acid barge. After catastrophic acid-induced corrosion, she was intentionally scuttled in southern Lake Huron on July 11, 1964. This incident represents a significant example of mid-century industrial maritime practice and highlights potential archaeological and environmental research value.
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