Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Richard Burns (J.B. Lozen)
- Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: William Dulac
- Dimensions: 178 ft (54.3 m); Beam: 33 ft (10 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 565 tons
- Location: St. Clair Flats, Lake St. Clair
- Official Number: 76868
- Original Owners: Originally owned by William Dulac; Renamed Richard Burns in 1920
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
Description
Other Names: J.B. Lozen
Gross Tonnage: 565 tons
Net Tonnage: 538 tons
Location: St. Clair Flats, Lake St. Clair
History
As J.B. Lozen (1890–1920):
The schooner-barge was designed for the bulk cargo trade, primarily hauling coal and lumber across the Great Lakes. It was towed by several steamers, including:
- Fred McBrier
- Mark Hopkins
- Norwalk
- Charles A. Street
- Rhoda Emily
- Helen
As Richard Burns (1920–1921):
Renamed in 1920, the vessel continued its service under various towing steamers.
Final Voyage (November 4, 1921):
Route: Being towed by the steamer William A. Hazard with a cargo of coal.
Incident:
- While traversing the St. Clair Flats on Lake St. Clair, the vessel experienced a hull failure, causing it to leak.
- The schooner-barge eventually foundered and sank.
- There were no casualties.
Aftermath:
- Cargo Recovery: The coal cargo was salvaged.
- Hulk Removal: In May 1922, the wreckage of the Richard Burns was removed from the St. Clair River.
Significant Incidents
Cause of Sinking: Hull failure while in tow.
Fate of the Vessel: The wreck was removed after its sinking.
Final Disposition
The wreck was removed after its sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site of the Richard Burns is confirmed, but the wreck itself has been removed. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”richard-burns-us-76868-j-b-lozen” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Richard Burns (J.B. Lozen) represents the era of wooden schooner-barges, a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its decades of service in coal and lumber transport, as well as its involvement with numerous towing steamers, highlight the interconnected nature of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →