Scuttled ship rediscovered in Lake Superior - SNNewsWatch.com
Scuttled ship rediscovered in Lake Superior – SNNewsWatch.com

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: James P. Donaldson
  • Former Names: None known
  • Official Number: Not specified in available records
  • Date Built and Launched: 1880
  • Measurements: 185 feet (56.4 meters) in length
  • Date Lost: March 18, 1923(PATERSON, NJ FD)

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled steam-powered freighter

Description

The James P. Donaldson was a wooden-hulled steam-powered freighter constructed in 1880 in Marine City, Michigan. In 1921, the vessel was acquired by Paterson Steamship Lines, becoming the second ship in their fleet. The freighter was primarily used to transport wet wheat to the Paterson elevator on the Kaministiquia River in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where the grain was dried out. This operation was part of Paterson’s efforts to streamline grain handling and reduce reliance on rail transport.

Final Disposition

On March 18, 1923, while laid up for the winter at the Paterson dock in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the James P. Donaldson caught fire and was severely damaged. The fire rendered the vessel a Total Loss. Subsequently, the hulk was towed into Lake Superior and scuttled off the Welcome Islands. The exact location of the scuttling was not well-documented, leading to the wreck’s position remaining unknown for nearly a century.

Located By & Date Found

On August 13, 2022, Thunder Bay divers Robert Farrow and Chris Aegard discovered the wreck of the James P. Donaldson off the Welcome Islands in Lake Superior. The discovery was made accidentally while the divers were exploring the area. Using side-scan sonar, they identified the wreck, noting features consistent with historical photographs, such as the burnt Stern and standing mast. The wreck lies in relatively clear water, making it a potential site for recreational diving.

NOTMARs & Advisories

As of the latest available information, there are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the James P. Donaldson.

Resources & Link

Conclusion

The James P. Donaldson serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by early 20th-century freighters operating on the Great Lakes. Her acquisition by Paterson Steamship Lines marked a significant step in the company’s expansion of grain transport operations. The vessel’s destruction by fire and subsequent sc

Conclusion (continued)

The James P. Donaldson serves as a valuable case study in both early grain transport logistics and ship preservation history. Her discovery in 2022 adds important data to the catalogue of known wrecks in Lake Superior and underscores the importance of local dive communities in maritime heritage documentation.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: James P. Donaldson shipwreck, 1923 Thunder Bay fire, Lake Superior wreck, Paterson Steamships
  • Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Canadian Maritime History, Early 20th Century Steamships
  • Glossary Terms: Steam freighter, Scuttling, Kaministiquia River, Paterson Dock