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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →