Typo
Vessel Type: Sail: wooden three-masted schoonerl
GPS Location: N44°59.480' W83°02.229'
Depth: 195 feet
Wreck Length: 137 feet
Beam: 26 feet
Gross Tonnage: 336
Cargo: Coal
Launched: 1873 by Wolf & Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wrecked: October 14, 1899
Description:
Built in 1873, the three-masted schooner Typo ended its 26-year career when it sank six miles southeast of here in October 1899. Loaded with coal for Racine, Wisconsin, the schooner was struck from behind by the steamship W.P. Ketchum. Since the stern cabin served as the crew’s living quarters, this was devastating. Only three of Typo’s seven crew members escaped before it sank in 180 feet of water.
Typo has been incredibly preserved by Lake Huron’s cold, fresh water and sits upright with the foremast intact to the crosstrees. The main mast is broken and topmasts, cross trees, spars, and wire rigging are spread across the deck. The ship’s bell remains hanging atop the windlass. Nearly all of Typo’s hull is intact, except for the stern damage caused by the collision. Piles of coal that spilled from the schooner as it rapidly sank are in a debris field behind the wreck.
Great Lakes Maritime Collection digital archive: http://greatlakeships.org/2897524/data?n=1
