IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Name:

CUSTODIAN

Type:

Wooden Propeller Tugboat (Towboat)

Date of Incident:

June 23, 1925

Location:

Near West Sister Island, Lake Erie

Coordinates:

41 44.263’ N, 83 06.149’ W

Depth:

12 feet (4 meters)

Condition:

Completely destroyed by fire; wreckage remains scattered in shallow waters near West Sister Island.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CUSTODIAN was a robust wooden propeller Tugboat, purpose-built for towing large barges and vessels, including coal-laden cargoes on the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1919 by M. M. Davis & Sons in Solomons, Maryland, the Tug measured:

•Length: 126 feet (38.4 meters)

•Beam: 29.9 feet (9.1 meters)

•Depth: 13.7 feet (4.2 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 359 tons

•Net Tonnage: 199 tons

The vessel was equipped with a powerful propulsion system to handle heavy towing tasks in both calm and challenging conditions, reflecting its utility for the coal and industrial transport industries.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

•Built in 1919 for the U.S. Shipping Board, the CUSTODIAN was one of many vessels constructed to bolster the nation’s maritime capabilities during and after World War I.

•In 1920, the Tug was sold to the Pringle Barge Line, a Cleveland-based company specializing in maritime towing operations on the Great Lakes.

Incident on June 23, 1925

•On a routine voyage near West Sister Island, the CUSTODIAN caught fire, quickly engulfing the vessel in flames.

•Despite the rapid spread of the fire, all 14 crew members aboard successfully escaped, a rare and fortunate outcome for such incidents.

•The vessel was a Total Loss, with no salvageable parts or cargo remaining after the fire.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CUSTODIAN was completely destroyed by the fire and sank in 12 feet (4 meters) of water near West Sister Island in Lake Erie. The shallow depth, combined with the intensity of the fire, left the wreck heavily fragmented and deteriorated.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically reference the wreck site, though its location is noted in historical maritime records. Mariners should exercise caution near West Sister Island, as submerged wreckage can pose hazards to navigation.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck site was noted and documented immediately following the incident in 1925. It is well-known to local historians and divers but has not been the subject of significant exploration due to its poor condition and shallow depth.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•The wreck lies in shallow waters at a depth of 12 feet, making it accessible to divers and snorkelers.

•The fire-damaged remains are heavily fragmented, with minimal identifiable structure.

•Visibility and water conditions can vary, influencing the site’s appeal as a diving destination.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks Archives

CONCLUSION

The CUSTODIAN‘s fiery demise on June 23, 1925, underscores the risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes. While the loss of the vessel was a significant blow to its owners and operators, the survival of all 14 crew members remains a notable aspect of the tragedy. Today, the wreck serves as a historical marker of the era’s maritime commerce and the ever-present dangers of fire at sea.

TAGS:

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Tugboat #Custodian #FireAtSea #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration