| • Wreck Name: Cascade • Type: Steam Tugboat • Date of Incident: January 24, 1904 • Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie • Coordinates: 41° 28.55’ N, 82° 11.50’ W • Depth: 30 feet (10 meters) • Condition: Likely deteriorated; vessel lies in moderate depth with ice damage contributing to its gradual decay |
Vessel Type Description
The Cascade was a wooden-hulled steam Tugboat constructed in 1892 by O’Grady & Maher in Buffalo, New York. Known for its engineering excellence, the Tug was equipped with a high-pressure non-condensing engine built by Whitman & Co. This robust engine and the vessel’s large propeller made the Cascade one of the most powerful and capable tugs in Buffalo during its operational years. Measuring 73.42 feet (22.4 meters) in length, 19.66 feet (6 meters) in beam, and 10.42 feet (3.2 meters) in depth, the Tug had a Gross Tonnage of 77 tons and a Net Tonnage of 38 tons. Its power came from a 9’ x 15’ Firebox Boiler, operating at 145 pounds of pressure, providing the necessary force to tackle towing operations across the Great Lakes.
History
Early Service and Ownership
Launched in 1892, the Cascade was initially owned by the Hand & Johnson Tug Line and later acquired by Elihu M. Pierce and Walter R. Wood in 1895. Known for its durability and impressive power, the Tug was highly regarded within Buffalo Harbor, where it performed demanding tasks such as towing larger vessels. This made the Cascade a valuable asset in the bustling commercial waterways of the Great Lakes.
Operational Role
Throughout its career, the Cascade was essential for numerous towing operations, proving especially useful in handling tasks that required substantial power. The Tug’s powerful engine, large propeller, and robust construction allowed it to manage challenging conditions and fulfill a critical role in supporting larger vessels on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition
On January 24, 1904, while navigating through thick ice near Lorain, Ohio, the Cascade sustained heavy damage from the ice, causing it to sink approximately 1,000 feet northeast of the Lorain breakwall. Despite the extreme conditions, the crew was able to escape safely, and no casualties were reported. Today, the Cascade lies in 30 feet (10 meters) of water as a reminder of the risks encountered by Great Lakes vessels, particularly during winter months when ice conditions added hazards to navigation.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are currently no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck site. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution in this area due to possible debris from the wreck and the shallow depth.
Located By & Date
The wreck of the Cascade was identified immediately following the incident in 1904, with its location documented in historical records. It remains accessible to those interested in exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Cascade rests at a depth of 30 feet, making it accessible for divers. Given the ice damage and over a century of exposure, the wreck is likely in a deteriorated state, with structural elements potentially collapsed or buried in sediment. Nonetheless, the site remains historically significant, providing insight into the operational conditions and construction of early Great Lakes tugboats.
Resources & Links
• Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives
• Further Reading:
• Bowling Green State University Historical Collections
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion
The Cascade served the Great Lakes region as a powerful Tugboat for over a decade before meeting its end due to the unforgiving winter conditions of Lake Erie in January 1904. Its sinking highlights the perils of early 20th-century maritime operations in icy waters, underscoring the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes. Today, the wreck near Lorain, Ohio, offers a historical snapshot of the region’s maritime heritage and the critical role of tugboats in supporting Great Lakes shipping.
Tags
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Tugboat #Cascade #LorainOhio #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration
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