Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John B. Fraser
- Type: Wooden Steamship
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Alexandre Fraser
- Dimensions: Length: 100 ft (30.48 m); Beam: Not specified; Depth: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Nipissing, near Goose Islands
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates are not specified.
- Original Owners: Initially: Alexandre Fraser; Later: Davidson, Hayes, and Company (Toronto)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John B. Fraser was a wooden steamship designed to support the burgeoning logging industry of Northern Ontario in the late 19th century. Serving the Fraser Lumber Company, it transported timber, supplies, and workers across Lake Nipissing, a critical waterway for the local economy. Equipped with a steam engine, it exemplified the sturdy, utilitarian vessels of its era, essential for the transportation of resources in the remote northern landscapes.
Description
The John B. Fraser was built in 1888 by Alexandre Fraser and named after his brother, John Fraser. Initially owned by the Fraser Lumber Company, it played a central role in timber operations, harvesting resources from the McGillivray Lake timber limits. In 1892, the vessel was sold to Davidson, Hayes, and Company, a Toronto-based firm, continuing its service in logging and transportation.
History
The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1881 transformed Lake Nipissing into a critical hub for transporting natural resources. Steamships like the John B. Fraser were indispensable for ferrying logs, workers, and goods to and from timber camps, connecting them to mills and railway lines for further distribution.
Significant Incidents
- Final Voyage and Disaster: On November 8, 1893, the John B. Fraser embarked on its last journey of the season, carrying around 20 lumberjacks and supplies destined for a hunting camp. A fire broke out in the engine room, rapidly engulfing the ship.
- Efforts to Save the Ship: Attempts to stop the engine and extinguish the flames failed due to the extreme heat.
- Survivors and Casualties: Crew and passengers abandoned the burning vessel, plunging into the frigid waters. Survivors clung to a nearby scow the ship was towing. Casualties ranged from 13 to 19 out of the 17 to 20 people onboard. The fire consumed the vessel completely, leaving the wreck to sink near Goose Islands.
Final Disposition
The John B. Fraser came to rest on the lakebed near Goose Islands in shallow waters. Despite its destruction, the wreck remains intact and holds significant historical value. Artifacts recovered from the site are preserved in local museums, commemorating the lives lost and the vessel’s contributions to the logging industry.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is largely intact, resting in shallow waters, and is considered accessible for exploration. Divers are advised to respect the site’s historical importance, and permissions may be required for exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-b-fraser” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The fiery demise of the John B. Fraser on November 8, 1893, marked one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Lake Nipissing’s history. Serving as a workhorse for the logging industry, the vessel symbolizes the challenges and risks faced by those navigating Northern Ontario’s waterways during a time of industrial expansion. The wreck site, discovered in 1972, continues to tell the story of this significant era, with artifacts and studies keeping its memory alive for future generations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →