Morley – Identification & Site Information

Name: Morley

Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer

Length: 181 feet (55.2 meters)

Depth: 40 feet of freshwater (16 meters)

Location: Colchester Reef, Lake Erie

Coordinates: 41°56.903’N, 82°53.678’W

LORAN: 43795.9 56975.1

Vessel Type Description

The Morley was a wooden propeller-driven Steamer designed for transport on the Great Lakes. Vessels like the Morley played a vital role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, moving passengers, freight, and raw materials between ports. Propeller steamers were considered efficient and versatile, capable of navigating challenging waters while providing reliable service.

History of the Morley

The Morley served as a cargo and passenger transport vessel during its operational life. While specific details about the Steamer’s early years remain sparse, its history is closely tied to the region’s booming shipping industry during a period of significant industrial growth. The ship’s sturdy wooden construction and Screw Propulsion were characteristic of the era’s Great Lakes steamers.

The Morley met its end near Colchester Reef in Lake Erie. While the precise circumstances of the sinking are unclear, Lake Erie’s shallow, storm-prone waters were notorious for grounding, collisions, and other incidents that claimed many vessels of similar design. The wreck’s accessible depth makes it a notable dive site and a piece of maritime history.

Final Disposition

The Morley now rests at a depth of 40 feet (16 meters) near Colchester Reef. The vessel’s condition is believed to be largely intact, with structural elements and artifacts still visible underwater. It is a popular site for divers exploring the historical shipwrecks of Lake Erie, offering a glimpse into the region’s shipping past.

Noteworthy Events Related to the Morley

Colchester Reef Incidents:

The reef is infamous for its history of shipwrecks, including other vessels like the Grand Traverse. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by captains navigating this treacherous stretch of Lake Erie. The reef’s shallow waters and hidden hazards continue to be a significant focus for historical research and diving.

Salvage and Obstructions:

Following its sinking, there were discussions of salvaging or dynamiting the wreck to address Navigation Hazards. However, the site remains largely undisturbed, offering a snapshot of maritime history for enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Depth: The Morley lies at a relatively shallow depth of 40 feet (16 meters), making it accessible for recreational divers.

•Visibility: Lake Erie conditions can vary, but Visibility is generally moderate.

•Features: Divers can explore remnants of the wooden Hull and other structural components. Artifacts may still be present, though much of the wreck has been affected by time and the elements.

•Hazards: Strong currents and sediment shifts may pose challenges. Divers should be cautious of entanglement hazards from debris.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Maritime Database: Historical records and descriptions of the Morley and other wrecks.

•Dive Ontario: Information on diving sites around Colchester Reef.

•Great Lakes Historical Society: Archival materials related to shipwrecks and maritime history in the region.

Conclusion

The wreck of the Morley stands as a testament to the challenges of early Great Lakes navigation. Resting near Colchester Reef, it offers divers and maritime historians an opportunity to explore and study a well-preserved example of a wooden Propeller Steamer. The Morleycontributes to the rich tapestry of shipwrecks in Lake Erie, reflecting the era’s shipping industry and the perils faced by mariners of the time.

Keywords

Morley, Wooden Propeller Steamer, Lake Erie, Colchester Reef, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Recreational Diving, 19th-Century Steamers.