Ida (ida Keith – Lake Erie Schooner Shipwreck (1922)

Explore the remains of the Ida, a wooden schooner-barge lost to fire in 1922, with a long service history and intriguing circumstances surrounding her demise.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Ida (later commonly referred to as Ida Keith)
  • Type: Wooden 3-masted schooner-barge for bulk freight
  • Year Built: 1873
  • Builder: W. G. Keith, Saugatuck, Michigan
  • Dimensions: 163 × 31 × 13 ft; 490 gross tons / 465 net tons
  • Registered Tonnage: 490 gross tons / 465 net tons
  • Location: Docked at Sandusky, Ohio, on Lake Erie
  • Official Number: 100110
  • Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden 3-masted schooner-barge designed for bulk freight transport.

Description

The Ida, later known as Ida Keith, was a wooden vessel built in 1873. It measured 163 feet in length, 31 feet in beam, and had a depth of 13 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of 490 gross tons and 465 net tons.

History

The Ida was constructed by W. G. Keith in Saugatuck, Michigan. It served for nearly 50 years, which is notable for wooden freight schooners of that era. Throughout its service, it was primarily used for transporting bulk freight.

Significant Incidents

  • The Ida suffered partial fire damage at Sandusky dock in January 1922.
  • A second fire on July 17, 1922, led to the vessel being declared a total loss.

Final Disposition

After the second fire, the Ida was officially abandoned and declared a total loss. No physical remains were rehabilitated, marking the end of her maritime career.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as no remains were salvaged or rehabilitated after the vessel was abandoned.

Resources & Links

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The Ida Keith remains a significant part of maritime history, reflecting the challenges faced by wooden vessels in the early 20th century, particularly regarding structural integrity and the impact of fire.

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Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

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