James Montcalm of St. Ignace Perishes in Diving Accident

James Montcalm

James Montcalm of St. Ignace died in a diving accident in the Straits of Mackinac Monday, September 4, at approximately 2 p.m. The accident occurred in Lake Huron, on the site of the wreck of the Newell-Eddy, a 242-foot-long schooner-barge that was sunk in 1893 east of Bois Blanc Island. Mr. Montcalm, 56, an experienced diver, was in approximately 135 feet of water.

He was active in the Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserve and promoted it at many functions in the area. He was retired from the Secretary of State license bureau in St. Ignace.

According to a report issued by the Cheboygan Sheriff's Department, which responded to the accident, Mr. Montcalm was with other divers when it appeared he ran out of air. Other divers attempted to give him air, but were unable to do so.

He was recovered by divers from the same dive ship at approximately 3 p.m. The dive ship notified the United States Coast Guard and then transported Mr. Montcalm to the Cheboygan County Dock on the Cheboygan River, and from there his body was transported to Community Memorial Hospital.

Services will be Friday, September 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace.