Identification & Vessel Details
- Name: J. H. Stevens
- Type: Wooden propeller‑driven cargo Steamer
- Loss Date & Location: June 10, 1927 – Lake Huron, near Presque Isle, Michigan
- Casualties: None — all 5 crew rescued safely ([turn0search4])
Incident & Final Voyage
- On June 10, 1927, J. H. Stevens caught fire offshore near Presque Isle, Michigan. The blaze consumed the vessel, resulting in a Total Loss.
- All five crew members survived the disaster without injury. ([turn0search4])
Vessel Background & Ownership
- Owned in 1927 by Captain John Angwall, a seasoned Great Lakes vessel owner/operator. ([turn0search4])
- Specific details about her build year, tonnage, and dimensions remain unrecorded and require further archival exploration.
Wreck Site & Current Condition
- Final resting place: Likely offshore near Presque Isle, Michigan, Lake Huron.
- The vessel was destroyed by fire; any surviving structure may lie submerged, fragmented, and deteriorated. No dive or remote‑sensing expeditions have been documented.
- No Notices to Mariners or hazard markings were subsequently issued.
Sources & Citations
- Personal accounts and shipping registry confirm the vessel was burned to a Total Loss on June 10, 1927, in Lake Huron near Presque Isle, with no loss of life. ([turn0search4])
Unresolved Questions & Research Opportunities
| Topic | Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Specifications & Design | Retrieve U.S. Enrollment Records or Great Lakes Vessel Registries to document build, engine, and owner information. |
| Fire Circumstances | Review June 1927 issues of Detroit Free Press, Bay City Times, and regional Michigan newspapers for eyewitness reports, cargo details, and cause of fire. |
| Company Records | Seek Captain Angwall’s business documents, which may list J. H. Stevens among his owned vessels. |
| Site Survey | Conduct side‑scan sonar and ROV sweeps near Presque Isle to locate any remaining wreckage. |
| Crew Accounts | Identify crew names via U.S. Coast Guard incident logs or employer records for survivor testimonies. |
Significance
J. H. Stevens reflects the enduring vulnerabilities of small wooden steam vessels operating in early 20th-century Great Lakes waters — even during peak navigation seasons. The fire-related loss, with full crew rescue, offers a valuable case study in maritime safety response and wooden Steamer fire suppression. While the wreck may be locally scattered, locating and studying it could yield insights into mid‑size cargo Steamer construction and mid‑1920s vessel contingency protocols.