Wreck JJJ was located during the 2001 sonar survey, and verified by archaeological divers in October 2002. The vessel is a modern powerboat, 23ft (7m) long and 7ft (2.1m) wide sunk in Mallets Bay. Its hull is wooden, while its three-tiered superstructure is either iron or aluminum. The condition of the vessel indicates that its loss was unintentional. The boat still contains items such as the inboard engine, fire extinguisher, and ladder. These types of features are frequently removed from a vessel before scuttling. Researchers were able to find the vessel’s registration number: VT2235C. A search conducted by the Vermont Agency of Transportation revealed one motorboat with this registration number. The characteristics of this vessel, however, were not consistent with those of Wreck JJJ. The state’s records show that the number belonged to a 1974 Steury model fiberglass-hulled powerboat, listed as 15ft (4.6m) long with an outboard motor. The length of the hull, its fiberglass construction, and outboard motor all contradict the features observed on Wreck JJJ. The same registration number may have been used on a previous boat that this owner had; however, state law prohibits contacting the owner from information retrieved from registration records.
Please contact the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum if you know the circumstances behind the loss of this vessel.
Sonar image of Wreck JJJ
Statement of Significance
Wreck JJJ is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places because it does not meet the minimum 50-year threshold.
Information Source:
Adam I. Kane, Christopher R. Sabick and Sara R. Brigadier, Lake Champlain Underwater Cultural Resources Survey, Volume VI: 2001 Results and Volume VII: 2002 Results. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 2003.