History of the Schooner TYPO – A Series of Disasters
The Schooner TYPO, a wooden three-masted vessel, had a tumultuous history marked by several unfortunate incidents that eventually led to her tragic end. She was built in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1873, with a gross tonnage of 335.95 tons and measured 137.0 feet in length, 26.0 feet in width, and 11.0 feet in depth. Owned by J.P. Nagle of Toledo, Ohio, the TYPO was initially used for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes.
The first recorded disaster involving the TYPO occurred on September 25, 1883, when she ran aground on Amherst Island, near Kingston, Ontario. This incident resulted in significant damage, causing an estimated partial loss of $6,000. Fortunately, no lives were lost in this event, and efforts were made to salvage the vessel and recover a portion of her grain cargo, which was wet due to the accident.
However, the unfortunate events did not end there for the TYPO. On October 14, 1899, she faced an even more devastating fate. On this day, the little schooner TYPO was cruising through Lake Huron when she was tragically run down by the steamer W.P. Ketcham. The collision was so severe that the TYPO sank immediately, leaving no chance for rescue. Four crew members onboard lost their lives, while three others miraculously survived.
The second major disaster involving the TYPO in 1899 brought into question the safety measures and regulations of that time. The captain of the W.P. Ketcham was accused of ignoring weather warnings and was cited for traveling too fast for the conditions, leading to the tragic collision with the TYPO. The aftermath of this event prompted calls for improved safety standards in boating and stricter regulations to avoid similar accidents in the future.
The final chapter in the history of the Schooner TYPO was marked by the sinking off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario, on June 16, 2000. This incident occurred when the vessel was transporting a class of 13 students back to the mainland after an overnight field trip to Flowerpot Island. The weather conditions were adverse, with rain and nearly gale-force winds. Tragically, two 12-year-old students lost their lives in the sinking, while the remaining 18 passengers managed to swim to shore to survive.
The multiple disasters and misfortunes that befell the Schooner TYPO during her years of service underscore the dangers and risks faced by sailors and passengers traversing the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. While each incident was unique, they all contributed to calls for enhanced safety measures, improved regulations, and better decision-making to prevent further tragedies in the future. The history of the TYPO serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and preparedness when venturing out into the vast and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
