IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The George A. Marsh was a wooden Schooner, originally built in 1882 by Footlander in Muskegon, Michigan. Initially measuring 118 feet in length, the vessel underwent several rebuilds and re-measurements, eventually reaching a length of 135 feet. The Schooner was designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes and played a significant role in the maritime industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel’s final dimensions included a beam of 26.5 feet and a depth of 9 feet.

HISTORY

The George A. Marsh had a long and varied career before its tragic end. Built in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1882, the Schooner was initially registered in Grand Haven, Michigan. After being Rebuilt in Milwaukee in 1887, the vessel’s dimensions increased, and further re-measurements in Chicago in 1892 solidified its size at 135 feet in length and a Gross Tonnage of 202.12 tons.

In 1914, the vessel was sold to a Canadian owner, J.B. Flint of Belleville, Ontario, and obtained a new Canadian registration number, 133750. The George A. Marsh continued to operate primarily in Southeastern Ontario, transporting goods across Lake Ontario and visiting ports such as Oswego, New York.

On August 8, 1917, the George A. Marsh embarked on what would be its final journey. The Schooner set sail from American waters bound for Kingston, Ontario, carrying a cargo of coal intended for Rockwood Hospital. The vessel, crewed by fourteen individuals, including Captain C.J. Smith, his wife, and their children, encountered a violent storm on Lake Ontario. Despite their best efforts to weather the storm, the ship’s seams began to open, allowing water to flood in rapidly. The pumps were overwhelmed, and the Schooner ultimately lost buoyancy, sinking into the depths of Lake Ontario within sight of its intended destination.

Tragically, twelve out of the fourteen people on board lost their lives in the sinking, including the captain and his family. The vessel came to rest upright in 75 feet of water, with only its masts visible above the surface. Although the ship was valued at $5,500 at the time of its sinking, salvage operations were deemed too costly, and the George A. Marsh remained on the lakebed, forgotten for decades.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The George A. Marsh sank in Lake Ontario near Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, during a severe storm on August 8, 1917. The Schooner settled upright on the lakebed in 75 feet of water, where it remains to this day. Over time, the wreck became encrusted with Zebra Mussels, but key features such as the imposing wheel, the impressive bow measuring approximately 65 feet in length, and the anchor winch are still visible to divers. The ship’s Deck, scattered with tools, pulleys, wheels, and chains, offers a fascinating glimpse into the vessel’s past.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the George A. Marsh wreck, but divers should exercise caution when exploring the site, particularly due to the sharp edges of the Zebra Mussels that cover much of the wreck.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the George A. Marsh was rediscovered and buoyed by Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS), and it is now a popular dive site for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history.

PhotoGallery

SLD Video Archives – Adam Rushton on Camera

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The George A. Marsh lies in 75 feet of water, making it accessible to divers with moderate experience. The Visibility at the site ranges from 30 to 40 feet, offering excellent conditions for exploring the wreck. The cold water temperatures, ranging from 5-6°C (41-43°F), occasionally warming to 13°C (55°F) in a thermocline, require divers to wear a complete 7mm exposure suit with gloves, hood, and booties. A dive light is also recommended to illuminate the wreck and capture the details of the ship’s remnants.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1. Save Ontario Shipwrecks Buoy Status Page: Save Ontario Shipwrecks
2. Wikipedia – George A. Marsh: Wikipedia – George A. Marsh
3. Bowling Green State University: Great Lakes Vessels Database
4. Canadian Geographic: Canadian Geographic
5. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
6. Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships

KEYWORDS

George A. Marsh, Schooner, Shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, Maritime History, Great Lakes, 20th Century Shipwrecks, Diving Site

ANALYSIS

The George A. Marsh is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could turn routine voyages into tragedies. The vessel’s story, marked by its sinking in 1917 and the loss of most of its crew, reflects the perilous nature of maritime life during this era. Today, the wreck of the George A. Marsh offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved example of a wooden Schooner, complete with many of its original features. The site serves as both a historical artifact and a memorial to those who lost their lives in the storm. The cold, clear waters of Lake Ontario have preserved the wreck in remarkable condition, allowing for an immersive and educational dive experience that connects divers with the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

3D Model from old VX2000 Tape (https://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CITY-OF-SHEBOYGAN-1871-Schooner-5.jpg Rutledge)

GEORGE A MARSH Circa 2001-3 by Shot Line Diving on Sketchfab