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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”leo1886″ title=”References & Links”]
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.
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.
Schooner Leo (built 1886, lost October 12, 1898):
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Built: 1886
- Dimensions: ~68 × 15 × 6 ft; about 35 GRT / 17 NRT
- Home Port: Pullman (Wisconsin)
- Crew: 4 aboard — all survived
Final Voyage & Loss – October 12, 1898
- Route: Sailing from Kenosha to Milwaukee on Lake Michigan
- Incident: Struck by a late-season gale; sprung a leak offshore
- Decision: Crew deliberately grounded her near what is now Cudahy, WI, to avoid sinking in deep water
- Outcome: Crew reached shore safely; the vessel broke up quickly, declared a total loss ([Great Lakes Shipwreck Files])
Research & Archival Sources
- Press Coverage: Suggest searching Milwaukee Journal, Kenosha News, and Chicago Tribune from Oct 1898 for eyewitness accounts of the grounding and rescue.
- Lifesaving Records: U.S. Life-Saving Service logs—stored at NARA—likely include details of the rescue, weather conditions, and station personnel involved (milwaukeehistory.net, archives.gov, archives.gov, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
- Registry Documents: Enrollment files for 1886 should offer hull and design details.
- Wreck-Site Survey: During low-water periods, shore-side scans near Cudahy may reveal timber or framing remnants—use side-scan sonar and diver investigations.
Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Leo |
| Built | 1886, wooden schooner |
| Lost | Oct 12, 1898 — leak in gale; grounded to save crew |
| Crew | All 4 survived |
| Fate | Broke up on shoreline; remains likely near Cudahy beach |