Lake Name: Lake Superior
Shipwreck Name: Judge Hart
Shipwreck Photos
Judge Hart

Vessel Type: Propeller, steel, bulk freight
Location: Rossport, Canada
Vessel Build Info: 1923, J.S. White & Co., Cowes, England
Shipwreck Specs: 253ft x 43ft 1729gc
Official Number: C146247
Names Other: None

Sinking Detail
The Judge Hart is one of a number of pristine shipwrecks in Northern Lake Superior. Built as a “canaller”, the Judge Hart fell victim to the “Gales of November” in 1942. Traveling from Port Arthur with a load of grain, the Judge Hart sought refuge in Jackfish Bay, near Marathon as the weather worsened. The ice build-up on the ship made accurate depth sounding very difficult and soon the ship found herself grounded on Fitzsimmons Rocks. Steamers JOHN ERICSSON and JAMES B. EADS pulled vessel free, but her pumps failed to control water. After a long struggle, the order was given and the ship abandoned. The ice build-up allowed the wheelhouse to remain intact during the sinking. The ship lies upright and intact nestled at the bottom of Ashburton Bay.
Loss Date: 11/28/1942
Loss Place: Ashburton Bay, North Shore
Loss Life: None
Loss Reason: Navigational error
Vessel Cargo: 101,500 bushels wheat

Shipwreck Description
The Judge Hart is a great dive. The bow pilot house is very intact with its bell still on the mast. The wheelhouse is complete with wheel, binnacle, and radio equipment. Even the ship’s papers are still hanging in a frame on the wall including the still legible Morse code. At the stern you can peak into the engine room and galley with bunch of dishes left behind.

Dive Type: Technical
Depth Deck(ft): 170 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 195 ft
Depth Deck(m): 52 m
Depth Bottom(m): 59 m