Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: R. J. Gibbs
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner-barge (bulk-freight barge)
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Squires, Vermilion, Ohio
- Dimensions: 122 × 24 × 8 ft; approx. 177 GRT / 168 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 177 GRT / 168 NRT
- Location: ~6 miles off Bar Point, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 21195
- Original Owners: Capt. Wm. H. Pope
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden three-masted schooner-barge designed for bulk freight transport.
Description
Description
The R. J. Gibbs was a wooden three-masted schooner-barge built in 1855. It measured 122 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and had a hold depth of 8 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of approximately 177 gross registered tons (GRT) and 168 net registered tons (NRT).
History
History
The R. J. Gibbs was constructed by Squires in Vermilion, Ohio, and served primarily as a bulk-freight barge. Throughout its service, the vessel encountered various incidents, including significant lightning damage to its foremast and rigging in May 1860 on Lake Erie.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Lightning damage to foremast and rigging in May 1860 on Lake Erie.
- Foundered and sank approximately 6 miles off Bar Point during a powerful storm on May 23, 1893; crew abandoned ship and were rescued by the steamer Iron Chief.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
After sinking, the wreckage of the R. J. Gibbs was lifted and removed in the fall of 1894 under a Canadian government contract.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was removed in 1894. The site is located approximately 6 miles off Bar Point in Lake Erie.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”r-j-gibbs-us-21195″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The R. J. Gibbs exemplifies the vulnerabilities of 19th-century wooden freight barges during storm conditions on Lake Erie. The well-documented rescue of her crew and the official salvage operation enhance her research and heritage value.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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