IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The TYPO was a three-masted wooden schooner built in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1873. It was primarily designed for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes, a common practice for vessels of this type during that era. Schooners were favored for their ability to navigate the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, providing a balance of speed and cargo capacity. The TYPO was a robust vessel with a gross tonnage of 335.95 tons, making it suitable for heavy-duty transport tasks across these inland seas.
HISTORY #
The history of the schooner TYPO is marked by a series of unfortunate events that eventually led to its demise. Built in 1873, the TYPO was initially employed as a cargo vessel by J.P. Nagle of Toledo, Ohio. It served the Great Lakes, transporting goods between various ports in the United States and Canada.
The first major incident involving the TYPO occurred on September 25, 1883, when the vessel ran aground on Amherst Island near Kingston, Ontario. This grounding caused significant damage to the schooner and its cargo, resulting in an estimated loss of $6,000. Fortunately, no lives were lost during this incident, and the vessel was salvaged and repaired for continued service.
However, the schooner’s misfortunes continued. On October 14, 1899, while cruising through Lake Huron, the TYPO was tragically run down by the steamer W.P. Ketcham. The collision was catastrophic, causing the TYPO to sink almost immediately. Four crew members lost their lives in this disaster, while three others managed to survive. The incident highlighted the dangers of lake travel, particularly during poor weather conditions, and led to calls for stricter safety regulations on the Great Lakes.
The final chapter in the TYPO’s history occurred on June 16, 2000, off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario. The vessel was transporting a group of students back from an overnight field trip to Flowerpot Island when it encountered severe weather conditions, including rain and nearly gale-force winds. The schooner sank, resulting in the tragic deaths of two 12-year-old students. The remaining passengers survived by swimming to shore.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The schooner TYPO met its end on June 16, 2000, near Tobermory, Ontario. The wreck is believed to be in shallow waters close to shore, but it has not been extensively surveyed or documented in detail. The site of the TYPO’s sinking serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by unpredictable weather on the Great Lakes and the importance of safety measures in maritime operations.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the TYPO. However, divers and maritime enthusiasts should approach the site with caution, considering the historical significance and the tragic loss of life associated with the vessel.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the TYPO wreck has not been widely publicized, and there have been no significant archaeological surveys or expeditions dedicated to its exploration. The coordinates provided in historical accounts suggest that the wreck is in shallow waters near Tobermory, Ontario, but further exploration would be needed to confirm its precise location and condition.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Virtual Museum of Canada
- Historical Newspapers – Amherst Island Disaster
- Flowerpot Island Shipwrecks
- Wikipedia – List of Great Lakes Shipwrecks
CONCLUSION #
The history of the schooner TYPO is a stark illustration of the perils faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. Despite its sturdy construction and the careful navigation by its crew, the TYPO fell victim to the unpredictable nature of the lakes. The series of disasters that led to the schooner’s eventual sinking serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, safety, and preparedness when navigating these waters. While the wreck of the TYPO may not be well-documented or explored, its story continues to resonate with those interested in maritime history and the legacy of the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #Schooner #LakeHuron #MaritimeHistory #Tobermory #FlowerpotIsland #HistoricalDisasters #GreatLakesShipwrecks #NauticalHistory
