Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.O. Moss
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: J. Estes
- Dimensions: 94 ft (28.65 m) X 26 ft (7.92 m) X 9 ft (2.74 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 166 gross tons
- Location: Near Big Sable Point, Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The J.O. Moss was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used for transporting lumber and shingles on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.
Description
The J.O. Moss was approximately 94 feet long, 26 feet wide, and had a depth of 9 feet. It was registered at around 166 gross tons and was built in 1863 in Sandusky, Ohio.
History
The J.O. Moss was primarily engaged in the transportation of shingles from Frankfort, Michigan to Chicago. On its final voyage, it encountered a sudden gale with blinding snow near Big Sable Point.
Significant Incidents
- On November 23, 1882, the vessel was struck by a gale while attempting repairs near the shore.
- Despite anchoring, high winds caused the anchor to drag, leading to the vessel being driven ashore and breaking apart.
- Of the six crew members aboard, one drowned during the storm while the others survived.
Final Disposition
The J.O. Moss was considered a total loss after being wrecked on the shore. Its registry was surrendered following the incident, and no modern archaeological survey has recorded its remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Any wreckage of the J.O. Moss likely deteriorated or settled in shallow nearshore sands, and no physical remains have been documented in recent surveys.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the J.O. Moss highlights the dangers faced by small wooden schooners navigating the Great Lakes during winter storms. Further research into historical records may provide more insights into this vessel’s fate.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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