Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Live Yankee
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1854
- Builder: Milan, Ohio
- Dimensions: 125 ft (38.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3.66 m / 12 ft
- Location: High Island reef, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: Not found (circa mid-19th century registries)
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Live Yankee was a two-masted wooden schooner, approximately 125 feet in length, primarily used for transporting grain, freight, and passengers between major ports such as Milwaukee, Chicago, and Buffalo.
Description
The vessel was built in 1854 in Milan, Ohio, and was designed to serve multiple roles in the shipping industry during a transitional period before steam-powered vessels became dominant.
History
On November 5, 1869, Live Yankee departed Milwaukee loaded with approximately 14,000 bushels of wheat bound for Buffalo. During its voyage, the schooner encountered a snow squall that caused it to lose its bearings and run aground on the High Island reef, a dangerous shoal located just west of High Island in Lake Michigan.
Significant Incidents
- Survivors: Most crew members reached High Island and were rescued by local Indigenous people.
- Fatalities: One crewman, Joseph Furnio of Milwaukee, died from exposure and was buried on High Island.
Final Disposition
For over 150 years, the remains of Live Yankee lay submerged in shallow water, having been broken apart by successive storms. The wreck was recently rediscovered near High Island and identified by diver Ross Richardson and his survey team, who noted visible features such as structural mast steps on the keel that matched historical records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located in approximately 12 feet of water, roughly 1,000 feet from shore, making it accessible for educational dives and documentation efforts. The site condition is ideal for remote documentation due to its shallow depth.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”live-yankee-1854″ title=”References & Links”]
Live Yankee serves as a significant historical artifact, reflecting the transition in maritime technology and the impact of weather on navigation. The story of its loss and the subsequent rescue of its crew highlights the human element of maritime history, particularly the role of Indigenous communities in aiding survivors.
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.
You just got to get lucky: 1869 shipwreck discovered, identified near remote Lake Michigan island
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Built: 1854 at Milan, Ohio
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner (~125 ft), used for grain, freight, and passenger transport between Milwaukee, Chicago, and Buffalo (FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI))
- Official Number: Not found (circa mid-19th century registries)
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date: November 5, 1869
- Voyage: Departed Milwaukee bound for Buffalo, loaded with a full cargo of approximately 14,000 bushels of wheat (michiganmysteries.com)
- Circumstances: In an early morning snow squall, the schooner lost her bearing and ran hard aground on the High Island reef—a dangerous shoal just west of High Island in Lake Michigan (michiganmysteries.com)
- Site Depth: Grounded in about 12 ft of water, roughly 1,000 ft from shore (FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI))
Crew & Casualties
- Survivors: Most crew reached High Island—rescued and sheltered by local Indigenous people
- Fatalities: One crewman, Joseph Furnio of Milwaukee, died from exposure and was buried on High Island (FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI))
Wreck Condition & Modern Rediscovery
- For over 150 years, the remains lay submerged in shallow water—broken apart by successive storms
- Recently rediscovered near High Island; identified by mid‑lake diver Ross Richardson and survey team. Visible features include structural “mast steps” on the keel, matching historical records for Live Yankee (YouTube, FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI))
- The video above captures the highlighted discovery and documentation dive (YouTube)
Archaeological & Historical Significance
- Transition-era Schooner: Reflects multi-role use—grain cargo, freight, and limited passenger service—before steam dominance.
- Historic Weather Event: Offers a case study in risk from sudden snow squalls during November navigation.
- Human Story: Survival and tragedy—celebrates Indigenous rescue efforts and memorializes Joseph Furnio.
- Site condition: Shallow, accessible remains ideal for educational dives or remote documentation.
Recommended Next Steps
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Survey | Undertake side-scan/magnetometer data collection from shore to approximately 1,200 ft west of High Island. |
| Diver Documentation | Conduct systematic mapping and photographic recording of structural remains—especially mast step, hull planking, and cargo scatter. |
| Archival Dive | Access Milwaukee Sentinel and Buffalo Express (Nov 1869) for voyage logs, crew roster, insurance claims, and rescue reports. |
| Memorial Coordination | Liaise with Indigenous communities and local heritage groups to ensure respectful handling of the site and burial context. |
| Interpretive Planning | Develop site signage, museum displays, or virtual 3D models—highlighting both maritime and cultural narrative. |
Summary Overview
- Name: Live Yankee
- Built: 1854, Milan, Ohio — 125 ft schooner
- Cargo: ~14,000 bushels wheat
- Lost: Nov 5, 1869 — stranded on High Island reef in snow squall
- Fatality: 1 (Joseph Furnio)
- Rediscovery: 2024–2025 — identified structural remains in shallow Lake Michigan
- Significance: Technological transition, weather impact, survival narrative, Indigenous aid