Identification & Site Information

•Name: C.B. Lockwood

•Type: Steam Screw Freighter

•Date Lost: October 13, 1902

•Location: Lake Erie, approximately 15 miles off Ashtabula, Ohio

•Depth: Not specified

•Condition: Sunk during a storm; vessel and lifeboats lost with no survivors located

Vessel Type Description

The C.B. Lockwood was a wooden steam-powered freighter built for the Great Lakes bulk cargo trade. Measuring 285.2 feet (86.9 meters) in length, 45 feet (13.7 meters) in beam, and 21.9 feet (6.7 meters) in depth, it was powered by a 900-indicated horsepower steam engine. With a Gross Tonnage of 2323 tons, the freighter was capable of carrying significant cargo loads, primarily transporting goods such as grain, coal, or iron ore.

History

The C.B. Lockwood was owned by the Gilchrist family of Cleveland, Ohio, a prominent operator in Great Lakes shipping. On October 13, 1902, the vessel was en route to Buffalo, New York, when it encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie.

As the storm intensified, the freighter began to leak and started settling in the water shortly before nightfall. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it sank rapidly. The 19 people aboard, including the captain, Cassius French, faced dire circumstances as they Abandoned ship.

Final Disposition and Casualties

•Abandonment Efforts:

•Yawl Boat: Carried Captain French, his wife, one woman passenger, and six crew members.

•Lifeboat: Carried the first mate and nine crew members.

The freighter sank shortly after abandonment. The Yawl was found capsized about a mile from shore and half a mile west of Ashtabula pier. No bodies or survivors were recovered, and it is presumed that all aboard the Yawl perished. The fate of the lifeboat and its occupants remains unknown.

The incident resulted in the presumed loss of all 19 individuals aboard the C.B. Lockwood.

Legacy

The sinking of the C.B. Lockwood remains a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during the volatile autumn storm season. The incident underscores the unpredictability of weather conditions and the risks inherent in early 20th-century maritime navigation.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notice to Mariners (NOTMARs) is related to the wreck of the C.B. Lockwood. However, the tragedy serves as a historical marker of the dangers present in Lake Erie’s waters during severe weather.

Located By & Date Found

The exact wreck location has not been documented, though it is believed to rest approximately 15 miles off Ashtabula, Ohio.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository for records and historical data on Great Lakes vessels.

2.NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into storm patterns and the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.

3.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Details on the C.B. Lockwood and similar maritime incidents.

Conclusion

The loss of the C.B. Lockwood reflects the harsh realities of maritime transportation during the early 20th century, where even large, robust freighters succumbed to the power of Great Lakes storms. The tragedy, marked by the disappearance of its 19 crew members, is a somber chapter in the region’s maritime history, underscoring the importance of continued respect for the unpredictable nature of the lakes.

Keywords:

#GreatLakes #LakeErie #CBLockwood #MaritimeDisasters #SteamFreighter #StormLosses #GreatLakesHistory #Shipwreck