Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Kelley Island US 212301

Explore the tragic story of the Kelley Island, a dredge lost in 1925, highlighting the importance of safety in maritime operations.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Kelley Island
  • Type: Steel-hulled sandsucking dredge
  • Year Built: 1914
  • Builder: American Shipbuilding Company, Lorain, Ohio
  • Dimensions: ~180 ft × 38 ft × 16 ft; 683 gt (382 nt)
  • Registered Tonnage: 683 gt (382 nt)
  • Location: Off Point Pelee, Ontario
  • Official Number: US 212301

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Steel-hulled sandsucking dredge with propeller drive.

Description

The Kelley Island was a dredge built in 1914, primarily used in the Great Lakes for sand sucking and dredging operations, which were essential for various industrial activities.

History

Constructed by the American Shipbuilding Company in Lorain, Ohio, the Kelley Island played a significant role in the dredging industry, vital for grain elevator operations and land reclamation projects.

Significant Incidents

  • Loss Date: May 2, 1925
  • Loss Location: Lake Erie, off Point Pelee
  • Weather Conditions: Encountered storm-grade waves leading to capsizing.
  • Critical Error: Improper stowage of equipment caused a large unsecured port to open, resulting in rapid flooding.
  • Crew Casualties: 9 crew members perished, while 7 were rescued.

Final Disposition

The Kelley Island was found capsized off Point Pelee and was eventually recovered, likely refloated or salvaged. The site is presumed dismantled post-salvage, with no official dive or archaeological survey known.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No known archaeological surveys have been conducted on the wreck site, and it is presumed dismantled following salvage operations.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”kelley-island-us-212301″ title=”References & Links”]

The loss of the Kelley Island serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols in maritime operations, particularly in the context of heavy seas and equipment management.

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.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Official #: US 212301
  • Built: 1914, American Shipbuilding Company, Lorain, Ohio (Hull #711)
  • Vessel Type: Steel-hulled sandsucking dredge with propeller drive
  • Dimensions: ~180 ft × 38 ft × 16 ft; 683 gt (382 nt) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, alcheminc.com)
  • Loss Date & Location: May 2, 1925, Lake Erie—off Point Pelee (Ontario) (sanduskyhistory.blogspot.com)

Emergency Overview & Cause of Loss

  • Departure: Left Sandusky, Ohio with 16 crew members onboard (sanduskyhistory.blogspot.com)
  • Weather & Conditions: Encountered rough waters near Point Pelee; storm-grade waves
  • Critical Error: Improper stowage of sandsucking equipment left a large, unsecured port open on the hull—resulting in rapid water ingress (alcheminc.com)
  • Capsizing: The breach caused sudden destabilization, and she capsized swiftly, trapping crew below decks (Squarespace Static)

Crew & Casualties

  • Total onboard: 16
  • Loss of Life: 9 crew members perished, 7 rescued—survivors likely encountered by passing vessels or reached shore unaided (X (formerly Twitter))

Wreck & Recovery

  • Post-event: Vessel found capsized off Point Pelee; records indicate she was eventually recovered—likely refloated or salvaged (alcheminc.com)
  • Site Condition: No official dive or archaeological survey known; presumed dismantled post-salvage

Significance & Analysis

  • Operational Role: Served in the booming Great Lakes sandsucking and dredging industry—vital for grain elevator operations, construction, and land reclamation projects.
  • Loss Investigation Insight: Highlights the grave dangers of equipment mismanagement in heavy seas—underscoring that design integrity must pair with competent stowage protocols.
  • Human Tragedy: Nearly half the crew was lost—underscores the human cost of maritime industrial operations and the need for stricter safety standards.

Sources & Citations

Research Gaps & Next Steps

  • Crew Identities: Passenger and crew lists from U.S. Shipping Board or local newspapers could identify the victims and survivors.
  • Salvage Records: Maritime salvage records or newspaper reports may confirm recovery details and vessel fate.
  • Archaeological Potential: If scuttled or stranded parts remain, a localized survey by heritage authorities could uncover remnants or artifacts.
  • Safety Evolution: Document the impact of this accident on later dredge design and safety regulations for Great Lakes industrial vessels.

Conclusion

The Kelley Island was lost on May 2, 1925, off Point Pelee when an unsecured access port from mis-stowed sandsucking gear allowed rapid flooding, resulting in a sudden capsize. Nine crew members lost their lives, making it a stark reminder of how operational oversight can rapidly become catastrophic in rough conditions. The event contributed to evolving safety protocols in the Great Lakes dredging and maritime industries.

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