Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W.J. Martin
- Type: wooden tug or small freighter
- Year Built: 1905
- Builder: C.C. Martin
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Huron (likely near Midland, Ontario region)
- Original Owners: C.C. Martin
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
While specific details are lacking, the W.J. Martin was small—likely a wooden towboat or tug—common for harbour and inshore work around Midland, Ontario in the early 20th century.
Description
No official dimensions or tonnage found in available records. The vessel served local operations under the ownership of C.C. Martin from Midland.
History
- 1905: Built, registered, and operated by C.C. Martin in Midland.
- November 1905: During a localized storm, the vessel stranded ashore in Lake Huron. Subsequently, the vessel caught fire and was destroyed. No additional specifics are recorded.
Significant Incidents
- Cause: A two-event loss—grounding followed by fire burned the vessel to a total constructive loss.
- Outcome: Vessel destroyed; likely hull remained aground and charred until dismantled by weather or scavengers.
Final Disposition
No record of wreckage identification, survey, or modern-day location. The vessel was likely dismantled after being stranded or washed away in subsequent seasons.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No historical notices or marine warnings are recorded concerning the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-j-martin-1905″ title=”References & Links”]
The W.J. Martin illustrates the fate of many early 1900s small wooden vessels on the Great Lakes—conducting local duties until rapidly lost in seasonal weather events. The dual incident of grounding and fire, combined with lack of follow-up records, suggests her end was swift and uneventful by commercial standards. Today, her story persists in local lore and archival bulletins.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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