Shipwreck Report: Possible INDUSTRY (Scow)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Wreck Name: Possible INDUSTRY

• Vessel Type: Scow (Sailing Vessel)

• Date of Incident: Mid-1800s (exact date unknown)

• Location: Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio

• Coordinates: 41° 33.009’ N, 81° 56.077’ W

• Depth: 55 feet (17 meters)

• Condition: Wreck lies with its bow facing north, partially buried, with visible signs of fire damage.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The INDUSTRY was likely a flat-bottomed scow, a common sailing vessel on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These vessels were practical and economical, used primarily for transporting bulk cargo like coal, limestone, or grain. Their flat bottoms made them ideal for navigating the shallow waters of harbors and canals.

• Dimensions: Approx. 74 feet 8 inches in length, 20–21 feet in beam.

• Power: Sail-powered.

• Primary Cargo: Coal (as evidenced by remains found at the wreck site).

HISTORY

1. Construction and Early Service:

• Likely built in the mid-1800s, though exact details about its construction and builder remain unknown.

• Used extensively for regional bulk cargo transport, reflecting the importance of scows in supporting the growing industries of the Great Lakes.

2. Final Voyage and Loss:

• The INDUSTRY was reportedly carrying a cargo of coal when it sank.

• A fire aboard the vessel is suspected as the cause of the loss, though records are scarce.

• Fires were a common hazard for wooden vessels during this period, often caused by accidents, faulty equipment, or external factors such as lightning strikes or dockside mishaps.

3. Discovery of the Wreck:

• Located at the provided coordinates near Cleveland, Ohio.

• Analysis of the wreck’s dimensions, layout, and cargo matches historical descriptions of the INDUSTRY, making it a strong candidate for identification.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Current Location: At the bottom of Lake Erie, depth of 55 feet (17 meters), partially buried in silt.

• Condition:

• Bow faces north.

• Significant fire damage visible on the wreck.

• The vessel is deteriorated but retains enough structural integrity to allow for identification.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• Hazards: No formal Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued for the site, but caution is advised due to potential debris and the fragile nature of the wreck.

• Recommendations for Divers:

• Experienced divers only.

• Avoid contact with the wreck to prevent further degradation.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck was discovered and identified based on measurements, cargo, and the fire damage consistent with the loss of the scow INDUSTRY. No specific discovery date is documented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Accessibility:

• Lies at a depth of 55 feet, making it accessible to recreational divers with proper training.

• Water clarity and Visibility conditions vary seasonally on Lake Erie.

• Structural Integrity:

• Fire damage and prolonged submersion have weakened the structure.

• Partial burial in the lakebed provides some preservation but limits access to lower sections of the Hull.

SIGNIFICANCE

The possible wreck of the INDUSTRY represents a window into 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its presence highlights the pivotal role of scows in supporting industrial growth by transporting essential bulk cargoes like coal. The suspected fire damage offers insight into the risks and challenges faced by mariners of the era.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Research Database

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Database

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Database

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the INDUSTRY near Cleveland, Ohio, offers valuable insights into the historical shipping practices of the Great Lakes. Despite the lack of conclusive historical documentation, the evidence aligns with the vessel’s reported size, cargo, and fire damage. It serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by 19th-century sailors and the critical role such vessels played in the region’s economic development.

KEYWORDS

#IndustryShipwreck #ScowVessel #LakeErieShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #CoalTransport #19thCenturyShipwreck