Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: KIOWA
• Vessel Type: Package Freighter
• Built By: Detroit Shipbuilding Co.
• Place of Construction: Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
• Year Built: 1920
• Hull Number: 286
• Dimensions:
• Length: 251 feet (76.5 m)
• Beam: 43.5 feet (13.3 m)
• Depth: 22 feet (6.7 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 2,309 tons
• Net Tonnage: 1,440 tons
• Final Resting Place: Point Au Sable, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: N46° 38.71’, W086° 13.21’
• Depth: 40 feet (12 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The KIOWA was a steel-hulled package freighter, specifically designed for carrying general cargo in the Great Lakes trade. These ships played a critical role in transporting manufactured goods, agricultural products, and other essential commodities across the region.

History

Construction and Early Ownership (1920-1927):

Built in 1920, the KIOWA was commissioned by the Independent Steamship Co. Its design reflected the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the Detroit Shipbuilding Co., focusing on durability and capacity. The vessel operated on the Great Lakes, transporting cargoes vital to the region’s economy.

Ownership Changes (1927):

In 1927, the KIOWA was acquired by O.W. Blodgett, reflecting the dynamic market for Great Lakes freighters as ownership shifted to meet evolving trade demands.

Final Voyage and Stranding (1929):

On November 30, 1929, the KIOWA met its end when it stranded at Point Au Sable, Lake Superior. The specific circumstances leading to the stranding remain unclear, but weather, navigation errors, or mechanical issues may have played a role.

Final Resting Place

The wreck of the KIOWA lies at Point Au Sable in Lake Superior at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Its steel Hull remains a testament to early 20th-century shipbuilding and the perils of Great Lakes navigation.

Dive Site Description

The KIOWA’s relatively shallow depth makes it accessible to divers. Key features include:

• Hull Construction: The steel Hull is intact in many areas, showcasing the craftsmanship of its era.

• Marine Life: The wreck supports diverse underwater ecosystems, with fish and other species often visible around the site.

• Artifacts: Remnants of the ship’s operational life may still be found, offering a tangible connection to its history.

Legacy and Significance

The KIOWA reflects the importance of package freighters in the economic development of the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Its stranding marked the end of a near-decade-long career, and its wreck serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners in the often-turbulent waters of Lake Superior.

Resources and References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Detailed records and photographs of the KIOWA.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Information on preservation efforts and diving opportunities at the site.
• Historical Shipbuilding Records: Archival data on the Detroit Shipbuilding Co. and its vessels.
• 3DShipwrecks – Kiowa

3D Model – Kiowa

Kiowa by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The KIOWA’s story is one of resilience and service, navigating the Great Lakes for nearly a decade before its untimely stranding. Today, its wreck at Point Au Sable provides an intriguing site for divers and a historical artifact for maritime enthusiasts, preserving its legacy beneath the waters of Lake Superior.