Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. C. Keyes
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steam tug
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Duluth harbor, Lake Superior
- Official Number: 12710
- Original Owners: Based in Duluth, Minnesota
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steam tug (likely converted from a yacht)
Description
The J. C. Keyes was a wooden-hulled propeller steam tug built in 1867 in Buffalo, New York. It was registered under the official number 12710 and was based in Duluth, Minnesota.
History
During a powerful late-season storm on November 7, 1874, the J. C. Keyes broke from her moorings at Duluth and was driven ashore onto the beach by the combined forces of wind, waves, and currents. Although initially there was hope for salvage, the damage was too severe, and the vessel was ultimately abandoned and declared a total loss in 1880.
Significant Incidents
- Storm on November 7, 1874, caused the vessel to break from moorings and be driven ashore.
- No casualties reported during the incident.
Final Disposition
- Salvage Attempted: Initial assessments suggested potential for recovery.
- Hull Condition: Widespread structural damage likely made restoration uneconomical.
- Final Outcome: Declared a constructive total loss; hull remained unrecovered as of 1880.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it was declared abandoned and unrecovered by 1880.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-c-keyes-us-12710″ title=”References & Links”]
The J. C. Keyes, a small 1867 Buffalo-built steam tug, was torn from her berth during a violent storm on November 7, 1874, and stranded ashore in Duluth’s harbor. Although considered for salvage, she was left to deteriorate and officially abandoned by 1880. Her wreck highlights the vulnerabilities of early wooden steam tugs to Great Lakes autumn storms and the financial constraints of maritime repair operations during that era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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