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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ida-ida-keith-us-100110″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Wooden 3‑Mast Schooner‑Barge, Built 1873 – Lost July 17, 1922
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ida (later commonly referred to as Ida Keith)
- Official Number: 100110
- Type: Wooden 3‑masted schooner‑barge for bulk freight
- Built: 1873, by W. G. Keith, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: 163 × 31 × 13 ft; 490 gross tons / 465 net tons
- Date of Loss: July 17, 1922
- Location: Docked at Sandusky, Ohio, on Lake Erie
- Casualties: None reported
(alcheminc.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Circumstances of Loss
- The Ida suffered partial fire damage at Sandusky dock earlier in January 1922.
- While her owners debated whether to repair or scrap the aging 49-year-old vessel, a second fire on July 17, 1922 decisively destroyed her—reducing her to a total loss.
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
- After the second blaze, the vessel was declared a total loss and officially abandoned.
- No physical remains were rehabilitated; her maritime career ended permanently that July.
(alcheminc.com)
Significance
- The Ida Keith had a remarkably long service life spanning nearly half a century—uncommon for wooden freight schooners of the period.
- The twin fire incidents, separated by mere months, reflect both her declining structural integrity and potential suspicion of arson-related insurance claim issues noted in some contemporary discussions.
(alcheminc.com)
Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1873, Saugatuck, MI |
| Type | Wooden 3-mast schooner-barge |
| Size | 163 × 31 × 13 ft; 490 gt / 465 nt |
| Lost | July 17, 1922, Sandusky, OH |
| Cause | Fire – two dockside incidents (Jan & July) |
| Casualties | None reported |
Suggested Further Investigation
- Sandusky News Archives (1922): Local newspapers may detail these fire events, including possible suspected arson or insurance motives.
- Insurance/Loss Records: Marine policies or salvage claims might explain the owners’ hesitation to rebuild after the first fire.
- Shipyard/Company Records: Investigate the Keith family or associated firms for any correspondence about the vessel’s fate.