Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Our Son
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1875
- Builder: Captain Harry Kelley, Black River (Lorain), Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 190 ft (57.9 m); Beam: 34 ft 6 in (10.5 m); Depth of hold:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: 40 miles west-southwest of Big Sable Point
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Our Son was a three-masted wooden schooner, one of the last cargo-carrying sailing ships on the Great Lakes. The ship transported goods such as lumber, grain, and coal during its long operational life. Its career represented the waning days of schooner-based shipping on the Great Lakes, as steamers and motorized vessels replaced sail-powered ships by the early 20th century.
Description
The Our Son was built in 1875 by Captain Harry Kelley, named in honour of his youngest son, George Irving Kelley, who tragically drowned in the Black River just before the vessel’s launch on August 11, 1871. The ship became a living memorial, with its name serving as a tribute to the young boy’s memory.
History
Construction and Namesake
Built in 1875 by Captain Harry Kelley, the ship was named in honour of his youngest son, George Irving Kelley, who tragically drowned in the Black River just before the vessel’s launch on August 11, 1871. The ship became a living memorial, with its name serving as a tribute to the young boy’s memory.
An older brother, Frank Kelley, remarked in 1930 after the ship’s loss: “There couldn’t have been a more fitting tribute to young George than when Dad named that ship for him.”
Operational Career
The Our Son sailed the Great Lakes for over 55 years, transporting various bulk cargos. By the early 20th century, it became a rare sight as one of the few remaining schooners still in operation, providing a link to the golden age of sailing vessels on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
The Final Voyage
Date: September 26, 1930
Incident: The ship encountered trouble approximately 40 miles west-southwest of Big Sable Point, Lake Michigan, during a voyage. Rescue: The crew of seven was saved by the steamer William Nelson, which responded to the distress call. Despite the rescue, the Our Son sank to the bottom of Lake Michigan, marking the end of its long career.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
- Date Lost: September 26, 1930
- Location: Lake Michigan, in deep water approximately 40 miles west-southwest of Big Sable Point.
- The exact location of the wreck has not been documented or confirmed, making it an intriguing subject for future exploration.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Our Son remains unlocated, presenting a challenge for divers and researchers. Its status as a confirmed wreck in deep water suggests that any exploration would require careful planning and adherence to safety protocols.
Resources & Links
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The Our Son holds a special place in Great Lakes maritime history as one of the last operational schooners. Its tragic end in 1930 marked not only the loss of a vessel but the passing of an era. Serving as a living memorial to George Irving Kelley, the ship’s story resonates deeply as a symbol of familial love and the enduring legacy of sailing ships on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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