IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Venus (later known as Steel Products)

Type: Bulk Freighter (converted to a Crane Ship in 1927)

Year Built: 1901

Builder: American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, Ohio

Dimensions:

•Length: 346 feet (105.5 meters)

•Beam: 48 feet (14.6 meters)

•Depth: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

Original Tonnage: Gross 3,896 tons; Net 3,146 tons

Location of Wreck: Point Abino, Ontario, Lake Erie

Coordinates: N45 51.891, W79 08.455

Depth at Wreck Site: 0 – 10 feet (0 – 3 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Venus was a steel-hulled bulk freighter, initially designed to transport bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and raw materials across the Great Lakes. Powered by a triple-expansion steam engine and Scotch boilers, the vessel reflected the era’s industrial ingenuity. Its transformation in 1927 into a crane ship equipped with revolving cranes allowed it to undertake specialized tasks, such as heavy cargo handling and marine salvage operations.

HISTORY

The Venus began service in 1901 under the ownership of the Gilchrist Transportation Co. The vessel contributed significantly to the booming industrial economy of the Great Lakes, transporting essential raw materials.

In 1913, it was sold to the Interlake Steamship Co., which integrated the Venus into its fleet of freighters. The vessel underwent a substantial Conversion in 1927, carried out by the Toledo Shipbuilding Co., where two revolving cranes were installed. This upgrade adapted the freighter for a broader range of operations, including salvage work, marking its transition from a bulk freighter to a crane ship.

In 1958, the vessel was acquired by the Steel Products Steamship Corp., a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel Corp., and renamed Steel Products. It continued to operate in its specialized capacity until its final voyage.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Venus was retired and sold for scrapping in 1961. While being towed to Port Colborne, Ontario, the ship stranded near Point Abino, Ontario, in Lake Erie. Marine Salvage Ltd. initiated scrapping operations that winter, but during the process, the vessel partially sank and was Abandoned.

The remnants of the Venus, now a shallow wreck near Point Abino, have become a notable dive site known colloquially as the Skerkston Shores Wreck. The site attracts both divers and maritime historians, offering insights into early 20th-century shipbuilding and industrial adaptations.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies in shallow water, ranging from 0 to 10 feet (0 – 3 meters), making it accessible to snorkelers, divers, and even kayakers. The remains are scattered and partially buried but provide a visible structure for exploration. However, the shallow location and deteriorating condition may pose hazards to small watercraft and untrained divers.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Reef Warriors Blog: Information on the Point Abino wreck and nearby sites.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical data on the Venus and other Great Lakes vessels.

3.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records on the Venus and its historical context.

4.Boatnerd: Detailed reports on Great Lakes freighters.

5.Great Lakes Ships File: Archival documentation of vessels like the Venus.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the Venus wreck. However, its shallow depth and location near Point Abino warrant caution for small watercraft navigating the area.

CONCLUSION

The Venus, later Steel Products, exemplifies the industrial adaptability of Great Lakes vessels, transitioning from a bulk freighter to a crane ship over its 60-year lifespan. Its abandonment at Point Abino serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich maritime history. Today, the wreck offers a unique opportunity for divers and historians to connect with the legacy of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping and industry.

KEYWORDS

Venus, Steel Products, Point Abino, Lake Erie, Great Lakes shipwreck, bulk freighter, crane ship, maritime history, shipwreck diving, Skerkston Shores Wreck.