S.K. Martin (City of St. Joseph)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: S.K. Martin (formerly City of St. Joseph)
• Type: Steam Screw
• Year Built: 1883
• Builder: Benton Harbor, Michigan
• Dimensions: 152 ft (46.3 m); Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 302 tons; Net: 240 tons
• Location: Near Erie, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not specifically available

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The S.K. Martin was a steam screw vessel, a design that utilized a screw propeller for propulsion, making it a reliable choice for Great Lakes transportation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially christened the City of St. Joseph, the vessel was robustly constructed to handle both passenger and cargo transport, reflecting the diverse needs of the bustling Great Lakes shipping network.

Description

Launched in 1883 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the S.K. Martin (then City of St. Joseph) operated out of Chicago, Illinois, serving as a critical link in the transportation and trade routes of the Great Lakes. For nearly three decades, the vessel demonstrated its durability and utility, navigating the often unpredictable conditions of the inland seas.

History

In 1912, after years of service, the vessel was renamed S.K. Martin. That same year, it met its end near Erie, Pennsylvania. Despite the foundering, all 12 individuals on board were safely rescued, highlighting the crew’s preparedness and the successful execution of emergency procedures. The exact cause of the vessel’s sinking remains undocumented.

Significant Incidents

• The S.K. Martin foundered in Lake Erie near Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1912. While no lives were lost, the incident marked the end of the vessel’s service. The ship was declared a total loss.

Final Disposition

The S.K. Martin foundered in Lake Erie near Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1912. While no lives were lost, the incident marked the end of the vessel’s service. The ship was declared a total loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the passage of time since the vessel’s sinking in 1912, the wreck’s condition is likely to be poor, with minimal structural integrity remaining. The site is not known as a diving destination, and its exact location and accessibility are uncertain.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the S.K. Martin near Erie, Pennsylvania, underscores the inherent risks of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Despite the vessel’s robust construction and long service life, it ultimately succumbed to the challenges of open water. The safe evacuation of all 12 persons on board speaks to the importance of preparedness and effective emergency response, ensuring that lives were not lost. The S.K. Martin remains a notable part of Great Lakes maritime history, symbolizing the resilience and ingenuity of its era.