Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Adventure
• Type: Sand Dredge (formerly a Steam Screw Vessel)
• Date of Incident: October 8, 1903
• Location: Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 41° 37.085’ N, 82° 40.867’ W
• Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)
• Condition: Destroyed by fire; wreckage remains likely near the north dock of Kelley’s Island

Vessel Type Description

Originally built as a Steam Screw Vessel, the Adventure was launched in 1875 in Detroit, Michigan. Measuring 105 feet (32 meters) in length, 24 feet (7.3 meters) in width, and 8 feet (2.4 meters) in depth, it had a Gross Tonnage of 141 tons and a Net Tonnage of 95 tons. The vessel’s power came from a 16 x 18” engine manufactured by Phoenix Iron Works of Port Huron, coupled with a 5 1/2 x 12’ Firebox Boiler. In 1897, the vessel was converted into a steam Barge, allowing it to serve various cargo roles, including sand dredging.

History

Launched in 1875, the Adventure began its career as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, switching owners frequently over the years, reflecting its versatility and high demand. Initially owned by Edward Cunningham and F.P. Wallace, it was later transferred to several other owners, including J.M. Robinson, Frederick Groch, and A.C. Moss, who converted it into a steam Barge. This vessel transported salt, lime, and other bulk goods between key Great Lakes ports such as Sandusky, Ohio.

On October 8, 1903, the Adventure tragically caught fire while docked at Kelley’s Island, loaded with lime. The fire ignited around 4 p.m., originating from the hold just forward of the boiler, and quickly spread, engulfing the entire vessel. Despite attempts to save it, the Adventure was entirely destroyed, along with its cargo. Captain John Howe, his family, and crew escaped unharmed. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the vessel was uninsured at the time of its loss.

Final Disposition

Following the fire, the Adventure sank in shallow waters near Kelley’s Island’s north dock, where its remains lie at a depth of approximately 10 feet. The destruction caused by the fire likely left the wreck heavily damaged and partly buried in the lakebed sediment, providing a historic marker of its nearly three decades of service on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site, but caution is advised due to the proximity to the dock and the shallow water depth. Boaters and divers should be mindful of potential submerged debris near the site.

Located By & Date

The wreck site became known following the incident on October 8, 1903. Local historians and divers familiar with Kelley’s Island recognize the site, which is accessible for exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Adventure lies in shallow water at a depth of 10 feet, making it accessible for divers. However, its burned and deteriorated state may limit its appeal to some explorers. The site holds historical interest, particularly for those studying Great Lakes shipping and the hazards faced by cargo vessels handling volatile materials.

Resources & Links

• Historical Records and Logs: Available through archives of the Port Huron Daily Times and related newspapers documenting the Adventure’s final incident.
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Bowling Green State University Historical Collections
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Ohio Shipwrecks
• Wikipedia

Conclusion

The destruction of the Adventure on October 8, 1903, after a devastating fire, marked the end of a vessel that served various Great Lakes cargo roles for nearly three decades. Its loss highlights the dangers faced by ships carrying volatile materials like lime, and the wreck’s shallow resting place near Kelley’s Island continues to evoke the challenges of maritime transport on the Great Lakes.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #SteamBarge #Adventure #FireAtSea #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration