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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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