Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Julia B. Merrill
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: George Carpenter
- Dimensions: Length: 125.5 ft (38.2 m); Beam: 26.5 ft (8.1 m); Depth of hold: 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 55 ft
- Location: Humber Bay, Lake Ontario, near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Coordinates: N43° 37.139′, W79° 26.743′
- Original Owners: Merrill & Skeele, H. Daryaw
- Number of Masts: Three masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Julia B. Merrill was a traditional wooden-hulled, three-masted schooner, typical of late 19th-century cargo vessels on the Great Lakes. Built for durability and versatility, the ship was designed to transport goods efficiently between the numerous ports dotting the lakes, braving the often harsh conditions of the region.
Description
The wreck lies scattered at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters). While much of the wooden structure has deteriorated, some remains are still visible, offering insights into the vessel’s construction and history. The wreck provides shelter for local aquatic life, making it an interesting site for both historical and ecological exploration.
History
- Early Service (1872-1910):
- Launched on October 7, 1872, in Wenona, Michigan, the schooner began its career transporting cargo across the Great Lakes.
- In 1886, the vessel sank off Waukegan, Illinois, due to a severe leak but was salvaged and repaired, resuming service shortly thereafter.
- Later Service and Ownership Changes (1910-1931):
- Registered in Canada in 1910, the vessel came under the ownership of H. Daryaw of Kingston, Ontario.
- By the early 20th century, as steam-powered ships dominated, the Julia B. Merrill became one of the last sailing vessels on Lake Ontario, symbolizing the end of commercial sail-powered shipping.
Significant Incidents
- In 1886, the vessel sank off Waukegan, Illinois, due to a severe leak but was salvaged and repaired.
Final Disposition
On July 1, 1931, the Julia B. Merrill was intentionally burned in Toronto, Ontario. The spectacle marked the final chapter in the ship’s long career, serving as both a farewell to the vessel and to an era of sailing ships on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is accessible to recreational divers with moderate experience. Visibility can vary due to conditions in Humber Bay, so preparation is recommended.
Resources & Links
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The Julia B. Merrill represents a bygone era of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1872 to its intentional burning in 1931, the schooner served as a vital link in the region’s trade network. Today, its wreck in Humber Bay, Lake Ontario, offers divers and historians alike a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history, reflecting the resilience and eventual decline of sail-powered shipping in the face of technological progress.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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