Leo – Lake Michigan Schooner Shipwreck (1898)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Leo
• Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
• Year Built: 1886
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 68 ft (20.73 m) X 15 ft (4.57 m) X 6 ft (1.83 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 35 GRT / 17 NRT
• Location: Near Cudahy, Wisconsin
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Wooden two-masted schooner

Description

The Leo was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1886. It measured approximately 68 feet in length, 15 feet in beam, and had a depth of 6 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of about 35 gross registered tons (GRT) and 17 net registered tons (NRT).

History

The Leo was homeported in Pullman, Wisconsin, and had a crew of four, all of whom survived its final voyage. On October 12, 1898, while sailing from Kenosha to Milwaukee on Lake Michigan, the vessel encountered a late-season gale that caused it to spring a leak.

Significant Incidents

• October 12, 1898: The Leo was struck by a gale, leading to a leak while offshore.
• The crew made the decision to deliberately ground the vessel near what is now Cudahy, Wisconsin, to prevent sinking in deeper waters.
• All crew members reached shore safely, but the vessel broke up quickly and was declared a total loss.

Final Disposition

The Leo broke up on the shoreline near Cudahy, Wisconsin. Its remains are likely still located in that area.

Current Condition & Accessibility

During low-water periods, shore-side scans near Cudahy may reveal timber or framing remnants of the Leo. Side-scan sonar and diver investigations are recommended for further exploration.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the Leo serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. Its story highlights the importance of crew safety and the decisions made in critical situations.