Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: S.H. Kimball
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge (bulk freight)
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: I. Nicholas, Vermilion, Ohio
- Dimensions: 138 ft × 26 ft × 12 ft (42.0 m × 7.9 m × 3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 319 gross tons / 303 net tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 183 m / 600 ft
- Location: ~38 miles NW of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan
- Coordinates: Unknown (deep water, ~600 ft)
- Official Number: 22374
- Original Owners: Likely M.A. Bradley, Cleveland (further confirmation required)
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The S.H. Kimball was classified as a wooden schooner-barge, primarily used for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The S.H. Kimball was a wooden schooner-barge built in Vermilion, Ohio, in 1864. Measuring 138 ft in length with a 26 ft beam and 12 ft depth of hold, she registered 319 gross tons. Like many vessels of her type, she operated as a towed bulk freighter, carrying coal and other cargoes on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s design reflected the economic trend of converting schooners for tow service during the late 19th century, when steam power dominated primary propulsion.
History
In May 1895, S.H. Kimball was under tow of the steamer George Stone on Lake Huron with a cargo of soft coal. On 8 May, while navigating in dense fog about 38 miles northwest of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, the barge became separated from her tow. In attempting to rejoin, the George Stone collided head-on with the barge in the fog. The impact holed the hull, causing rapid flooding.
The barge sank quickly into ~100 fathoms of water (approximately 600 ft / 183 m). Fortunately, her crew were rescued by the steamer and no lives were lost.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the steamer George Stone in fog on 8 May 1895.
- Rapid flooding led to the sinking of the S.H. Kimball.
Final Disposition
Declared a total loss, the S.H. Kimball came to rest in deep water in Lake Huron. No salvage attempts are recorded due to the great depth. The wreck has not been located by modern survey and remains undiscovered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not dive accessible. Estimated wreck depth ~600 ft (183 m) precludes conventional diving. Potential subject for remote sensing or submersible survey.
Emergency Contacts: U.S. Coast Guard Saginaw / Detroit Sectors
Permits: Research permits required under U.S. law for disturbance.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”s-h-kimball-us-22374″ title=”References & Links”]
The S.H. Kimball remains a significant historical wreck, representing the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by vessels during the era of steam-powered navigation.
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.
Lead Image
Identification Card (Site Style)
Other Names: None
Official Number: 22374
Registry: U.S.
Vessel Type: Wooden schooner-barge (bulk freight)
Builder: I. Nicholas, Vermilion, Ohio
Year Built: 1864
Dimensions: 138 ft × 26 ft × 12 ft (42.0 m × 7.9 m × 3.7 m)
Tonnage: 319 gross tons / 303 net tons
Cargo on Final Voyage: Soft coal
Date of Loss: 8 May 1895
Location: ~38 miles NW of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, Lake Huron
Coordinates: Unknown (deep water, ~600 ft)
Depth: ~100 fathoms (~600 ft / 183 m)
Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio (registry)
Owners: Likely M.A. Bradley, Cleveland (further confirmation required)
Crew: Not specified
Casualties: None
Description
The S.H. Kimball was a wooden schooner-barge built in Vermilion, Ohio, in 1864. Measuring 138 ft in length with a 26 ft beam and 12 ft depth of hold, she registered 319 gross tons. Like many vessels of her type, she operated as a towed bulk freighter, carrying coal and other cargoes on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s design reflected the economic trend of converting schooners for tow service during the late 19th century, when steam power dominated primary propulsion.
History
In May 1895, S.H. Kimball was under tow of the steamer George Stone on Lake Huron with a cargo of soft coal. On 8 May, while navigating in dense fog about 38 miles northwest of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan, the barge became separated from her tow. In attempting to rejoin, the George Stone collided head-on with the barge in the fog. The impact holed the hull, causing rapid flooding.
The barge sank quickly into ~100 fathoms of water (approximately 600 ft / 183 m). Fortunately, her crew were rescued by the steamer and no lives were lost.
Final Dispositions
Declared a total loss, the S.H. Kimball came to rest in deep water in Lake Huron. No salvage attempts are recorded due to the great depth. The wreck has not been located by modern survey and remains undiscovered.
Located By & Date Found
Not located. Presumed position in ~600 ft of water northwest of Pointe Aux Barques. Depth likely beyond typical recreational and technical diving ranges; requires advanced ROV survey.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted. Deep-water wreck, not an active navigation hazard.
Dive Information
Not dive accessible. Estimated wreck depth ~600 ft (183 m) precludes conventional diving. Potential subject for remote sensing or submersible survey.
Emergency Contacts: U.S. Coast Guard Saginaw / Detroit Sectors
Permits: Research permits required under U.S. law for disturbance.
Crew & Casualty Memorials
No casualties. Master noted in records as Capt. William Brown. Survivors rescued by the George Stone. Further crew names may be traced in Port Huron or Cleveland newspapers (May 1895).
Documented Statements & Extracts
“The steamer George Stone collided bows-on with the S.H. Kimball in the fog. The barge filled and sank in 100 fathoms of water. The crew were all saved.” — Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official No. 22374. Built 1864, Vermilion, OH by I. Nicholas. Registry: Cleveland, OH. Ownership attributed to M.A. Bradley, Cleveland. Insurance and claim details likely recorded in marine underwriters’ ledgers from 1895.
Site Documentation & Imaging
No wreck discovery or imagery. Incident recorded in Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, NOAA notes, and regional shipwreck listings. Still considered an undiscovered Lake Huron deep-water wreck.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships.org
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessel Histories
- NOAA Marine Accident Notes
References
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – S.H. Kimball incident entry.
- “Great Lakes Shipping Casualties” (NOAA / vos.noaa.gov).
- sstmike.weebly.com — vessel loss summary.
NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: None
Official Number: 22374
Coordinates: ~38 miles NW of Pointe Aux Barques, Lake Huron
Depth: ~100 fathoms (~600 ft / 183 m)
Location Description: Deep water, Lake Huron
Vessel Type: Wooden schooner-barge
Material: Wood
Dimensions: 138 × 26 × 12 ft (42 × 7.9 × 3.7 m); 319 gt / 303 nt
Condition: Presumed intact in deep water
Cause of Loss: Collision with tow steamer in fog
Discovery Date: Not located
Discovered By: Not applicable
Method: Not applicable
Legal Notes: Registry struck after loss
Hazards: None (deep water)
Permits Required: Required for survey or disturbance