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.
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 & Vessel Details
- Name: R. J. Gibbs
- Official No.: 21195
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner‑barge (bulk-freight barge)
- Built: 1855 by Squires, Vermilion, Ohio
- Dimensions: 122 × 24 × 8 ft; approx. 177 GRT / 168 NRT
Cargo & Final Voyage
- Cargo: 310 tons of coal
- Voyage: At anchor, riding out a gale off Bar Point, Lake Erie on May 23, 1893
Incident & Loss
- A powerful storm overwhelmed R. J. Gibbs at anchor; she foundered and sank approximately 6 miles off Bar Point—no lives lost, as the crew abandoned and were rescued by the steamer Iron Chief
- Earlier in her life, she suffered significant lightning damage to her foremast and rigging in May 1860 on Lake Erie
Wreck Site & Salvage
- Location: ~6 miles off Bar Point, Lake Erie
- Aftermath: Wreckage was lifted and removed in the fall of 1894 via Canadian government contract
Sources & Citations
- Loss details and specifications from Great Lakes Shipwreck Files “G” entry for R.J. Gibbs ([turn0search5])
- Salvage and location information from Alchem, Inc. Lake Erie Map ([turn0search2])
- Historical salvage reference from Marsh Collection newsletter ([turn0search3])
Historical Context & Significance
R. J. Gibbs exemplifies the vulnerabilities of 19th-century wooden freight barges during storm conditions on Lake Erie. Her multiple losses—from lighting strike to gale-sink—highlight recurring risk patterns. The well-documented rescue of her crew and official salvage operation enhance her research and heritage value.
Further Research Opportunities
| Focus | Proposed Actions |
|---|---|
| Crew & Ownership Records | Investigate 1860 and 1893 newspaper accounts (Port Huron Times, Detroit Free Press) for crew, owner Capt. Wm. H. Pope, and rescue details |
| Rigging Damage Analysis | Examine lighthouse logs or insurance ledgers around the 1860 lightning strike for action taken |
| Site Data Review | Retrieve Canadian government salvage documentation of wreck removal in Fall 1894 |
| Survivor Testimonies | Seek Iron Chief ship’s log or crew accounts for firsthand rescue narrative |