IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Typo was a wooden Schooner specifically built as a “canaler,” designed to navigate the locks of the Welland Canal and facilitate trade between Great Lakes ports. Its three-masted rigging optimized the ship for speed and bulk cargo transportation, enabling it to haul materials like coal, grain, and other essential goods across the Great Lakes. These ships were the backbone of regional commerce in the late 19th century.

HISTORY

Constructed in 1873 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Typo served the bustling Great Lakes trade routes, primarily transporting bulk goods between ports. Its design and build quality made it a robust vessel for handling the often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes.

Key Incidents:

Collision with Steamer W.P. Ketcham (1899):

On October 14, 1899, while sailing in Lake Huron, the Typo collided with the Steamer W.P. Ketcham. The impact was devastating, causing the Typo to sink rapidly. The wreck resulted in the tragic loss of four crew members, while three survivors managed to escape the sinking ship.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Typo now rests on the lakebed in Lake Huron, at a depth of 180 feet (55 meters). The cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron have preserved the wreck remarkably well, making it a significant site for underwater archaeology and recreational diving. The Typo remains a haunting reminder of the perils faced by sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Status: Historical wreck; marked on nautical charts. Divers and mariners should approach the area with caution and adhere to guidelines for preserving underwater cultural heritage.

LOCATED BY & DATE

  • Date Located: The Typo’s wreck was identified during the late 20th century as part of efforts to document shipwrecks in Lake Huron.
  • Survey Methods: Side-scan sonar and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) confirmed its location and condition.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Typo sits upright and largely intact on the lakebed, thanks to the cold freshwater environment that inhibits decay. Its location at 180 feet (55 meters) makes it accessible only to experienced technical divers equipped for deep dives. The site is popular among Great Lakes shipwreck enthusiasts.

RESOURCES & LINKS

3D Models – Typo

Typo by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Typo Shipwreck Wooden three-masted schooner by BeckyKaganSchott on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The Typo’s legacy is etched into Great Lakes maritime history as a tragic but significant example of 19th-century shipping. Its wreck serves as a testament to the challenges of maritime commerce and navigation during a time when shipping was vital to the region’s growth. Today, it remains a site of historical importance and a destination for underwater exploration.

KEYWORDS #TypoShipwreck #LakeHuron #GreatLakesHistory #SchoonerWreck #MaritimeArchaeology #TechnicalDiving #ShipCollision #PresqueIsle