Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Kiowa (1920)

Explore the wreck of the Kiowa, a package freighter that met its end in Lake Superior. Accessible diving site with rich history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Kiowa
  • Type: Package Freighter
  • Year Built: 1920
  • Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co.
  • Dimensions: Length: 251 ft (76.5 m); Beam: 43.5 ft (13.3 m); Depth of hold: 22 ft (6.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 2,309 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
  • Location: Point Au Sable, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: N46° 38.71′, W086° 13.21′
  • Official Number: 286
  • Original Owners: Independent Steamship Co. (1920-1927), O.W. Blodgett (1927)
  • Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The KIOWA was a steel-hulled package freighter, specifically designed for carrying general cargo in the Great Lakes trade. These ships played a critical role in transporting manufactured goods, agricultural products, and other essential commodities across the region.

Description

The KIOWA was built in 1920 and commissioned by the Independent Steamship Co.. Its design reflected the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the Detroit Shipbuilding Co., focusing on durability and capacity. The vessel operated on the Great Lakes, transporting cargoes vital to the region’s economy.

History

Construction and Early Ownership (1920-1927): Built in 1920, the KIOWA was commissioned by the Independent Steamship Co. Its design reflected the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the Detroit Shipbuilding Co., focusing on durability and capacity. The vessel operated on the Great Lakes, transporting cargoes vital to the region’s economy.

Ownership Changes (1927): In 1927, the KIOWA was acquired by O.W. Blodgett, reflecting the dynamic market for Great Lakes freighters as ownership shifted to meet evolving trade demands.

Final Voyage and Stranding (1929): On November 30, 1929, the KIOWA met its end when it stranded at Point Au Sable, Lake Superior. The specific circumstances leading to the stranding remain unclear, but weather, navigation errors, or mechanical issues may have played a role.

Final Resting Place: The wreck of the KIOWA lies at Point Au Sable in Lake Superior at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Its steel hull remains a testament to early 20th-century shipbuilding and the perils of Great Lakes navigation.

Significant Incidents

  • 1920: KIOWA launched and commissioned by Independent Steamship Co.
  • 1927: Acquired by O.W. Blodgett.
  • 1929-11-30: Stranded at Point Au Sable, Lake Superior.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the KIOWA lies at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters) in Lake Superior. Its steel hull remains largely intact, serving as a historical artifact and a dive site for enthusiasts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The KIOWA’s relatively shallow depth makes it accessible to divers. Key features include:

  • Hull Construction: The steel hull is intact in many areas, showcasing the craftsmanship of its era.
  • Marine Life: The wreck supports diverse underwater ecosystems, with fish and other species often visible around the site.
  • Artifacts: Remnants of the ship’s operational life may still be found, offering a tangible connection to its history.

Resources & Links

The KIOWA’s story is one of resilience and service, navigating the Great Lakes for nearly a decade before its untimely stranding. Today, its wreck at Point Au Sable provides an intriguing site for divers and a historical artifact for maritime enthusiasts, preserving its legacy beneath the waters of Lake Superior.