Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: M. O. Keys
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Likely in Marblehead, OH
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Deep water off northern Ohio coast
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
Built: 1874 (likely in Marblehead, OH)
Operational Route: Kelleys Island → Lakeside (now Lakeside Marblehead), Lake Erie
Cargo on Final Voyage: Stone (likely ballast or small stone cargo)
Description
The M. O. Keys was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1874, primarily operating between Kelleys Island and Lakeside, Ohio. On its final voyage, it was carrying stone, likely for ballast or small cargo.
History
On October 8, 1884, the M. O. Keys encountered a severe mid-autumn storm while sailing from Kelleys Island toward Lakeside, Ohio. The vessel sprang a leak and foundered during the gale, sinking in deep water. All three crew members aboard were rescued, and no casualties were reported.
Significant Incidents
- October 8, 1884: The M. O. Keys foundered during a storm on Lake Erie while carrying stone cargo.
Final Disposition
The vessel sank in Lake Erie, and there are no records of salvage or buoy recovery. The exact location of the wreck remains unrecorded, and no dive or remote-sensing expeditions have identified the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the M. O. Keys wreck is unknown, as it has not been located. It is presumed to be in deep water off the northern Ohio coast.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”m-o-keys-1874″ title=”References & Links”]
The M. O. Keys serves as a testament to the dangers faced by small wooden schooners carrying heavy cargo during late-season storms on Lake Erie, highlighting the ongoing use of sail-powered vessels into the 1880s.
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