SYRACUSE – Shipwreck Information

• Official No.: 116756
• Type at Loss: Propeller, wood, sand dredge
• Built: 1897, Mullinix, Toledo, Ohio
• Specifications:  Length: 79 feet (24 meters)  Beam: 23 feet (7 meters) Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 85 tons (85t)
• Date of Loss: August 26, 1908
• Place of Loss: Maumee Bay, Toledo, Ohio
• Lake: Erie
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None (4 crew members aboard)
• Vessel Type Propeller sand dredge (wooden-hulled)

Description

The Syracuse was a wooden propeller dredge, built in 1897 by Mullinix in Toledo, Ohio. Designed for dredging and related sand handling, it had a relatively small but sturdy build, with an 85-ton capacity. Its work on Lake Erie primarily involved sand dredging for port maintenance, a vital task in the era of expanding shipping traffic.

On August 26, 1908, the vessel was caught in a storm while operating in Maumee Bay, located near Toledo. As the storm intensified, the Dredge stranded and was wrecked, becoming a Total Loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties; all four crew members survived the incident.

Given the nature of dredging vessels, which often operate in shallow waters and can be vulnerable to storm surges, the storm’s violent force likely caused the Syracuse to lose control and run aground. Despite the wreck, there is no mention of a major recovery effort or further salvage of the vessel.

Final Dispositions

The Syracuse was deemed a Total Loss after the storm. Although further details of its ultimate disposal or the wreck’s condition post-incident are scarce, it is likely that the vessel was Abandoned after being stranded in Maumee Bay. There are no records of a recovery or salvage operation for the vessel.

Located By & Date Found

No reports suggest that the wreck of the Syracuse was located or recovered. The vessel’s remains, if any, may have either deteriorated over time or been lost to the natural forces of the lake, given its grounding in Maumee Bay.

Notable Marks & Advisories

No special navigational advisories or marks are noted in connection with the wreck site of the Syracuse. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of smaller vessels, especially dredges, during storms on Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Wikipedia – Maumee Bay
• Great Lakes Shipwrecks
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Syracuse, a wooden propeller dredge, was wrecked on August 26, 1908, in Maumee Bay on Lake Erie due to a powerful storm. While the vessel was stranded and ultimately declared a Total Loss, no lives were lost, and the crew of four survived. This incident highlights the risks faced by dredging vessels, particularly in storm-prone areas like Maumee Bay. The wreck remains a part of the maritime history of Toledo, and the vessel’s story is another example of the perils of early 20th-century Great Lakes navigation.