MARTIN / FONTANA wrecks

The Dive Sites listed below are high risk dive sites. The river current here is rather strong at (6-8 knots), surging at times and turbulent near the wreck's, it can be disorientating. During the summer months there is much boat traffic along with the occasional Freighter (Ship), because of this, surfacing anyplace other than the shoreline can be hazardous. Do not hesitate to abort a dive! Please consult a local Dive Shop and/or other Divers familiar with the area before attempting to dive any of these sites. Dive at your own risk.

Built in 1888 at nearby St. Clair, Michigan, by Simon Langell, she was a two mast schooner barge headed down-bound with a 2,600 ton cargo of iron ore, the vessel was in tow of the KALIYUGA headed for Cleveland, Ohio as they entered the St. Clair River "Rapids". At the same time the vessel APPOMATTOX was headed up-bound with the schooner vessel SANTIAGO in tow. As they passed on the night of August 3, 1900, the two vessels in tow collided. The FONTANA sustained the most damage to her bow sinking rapidly. With a crew of (6), all escaped with the exception of (1) member that was sleeping in the forecastle. The wreckage partially above water began to cause many problems. A vessel by the name of SAMUEL MARSHALL was towing the schooner KINGFISHER which became lodged in the wreckage as they passed. The KINGFISHER sustained heavy damage when it broke loose the foretop and main mast of the FONTANA.

No sooner than the decision was made to dynamite the wreckage to clear the river, the schooner JOHN B. MARTIN became another tragic part of this incident. (continued with the JOHN B. MARTIN below)

In the photograph you can see the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in the background. This should give an idea of how far you must travel when entering from the U.S. shoreline.

Located on the Canadian side at the entrance to the St. Clair River. She now lies in 50 ft. of water approximately 250 ft. from the Canadian shoreline. Located North of the Blue Water Bridge just downstream from the public beach at the end of Riverview Street. To reach the FONTANA from this point you must swim hard to reach the wreck before the current carries you past it. This is a very hazardous dive, the strong current can hold you against the wreckage making it difficult to get around if not approached correctly. A common entrance point is at the public beach at the end of Riverview Street, Just South of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Exit at one of the seawall ladders South of the bridge. Use caution, shipping traffic travels directly over the wreck at times! Definitely an Upper Advanced dive being the most difficult in the area.

A 220 ft. (3) mast wooden schooner-barge built in 1873 by Quayle & Martin of Cleveland, OH. On September 22, 1900 while in down-bound tow by the steamer GROVER, the JOHN B. MARTIN passed closely to the FONTANA wreckage. The up-bound steel bulk freighter YUMA was also passing through when she suddenly struck the MARTIN. The MARTIN sank quickly taking (4) lives and her cargo of iron ore with her. Four other crew members were rescued by the YUMA and another small vessel.

Photographer: Keith W. Churill

End of a Manila Line.

Before both vessels could be dynamited another tragedy occurred. The schooner A.J. McBRIER swerved to miss the MARTIN knocking a crew member into the rapids running up on the FONTANA. Unfortunately the sailor drowned. The A.J. McBRIER was released and repaired. The difficult job of blasting the wreckage was finally completed allowing vessels to safely pass over them. A large part of the wreckage of both vessels is still clearly visible today.

The anchor from the JOHN B. MARTIN is on display in a riverside park, near her final resting place, just North of the Blue Water Bridge.

She now lies in 60 ft. of water approximately 230 ft. from the U.S. shoreline. Located North of the Blue Water Bridge just downstream from the public beach at the end of Riverview Street. This is a very hazardous dive, the strong current can hold you against the wreckage making it difficult to get around if not approached correctly. A common entrance point is at the public beach at the end of Riverview Street, Just South of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Exit at one of the seawall ladders South of the bridge. Use caution, shipping traffic travels directly over the wreck at times! Definitely an Upper Advanced dive being the most difficult in the area.

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