Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: DETROITER

•Type: Dredge Barge

•Date of Incident: Not specified

•Location: Near the eastern end of the Camp Perry Firing Range, Portage River Plate, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41° 33.663’ N, 82° 55.7’ W

•Depth: Approximately 20 feet (7 meters)

•Condition: Partially buried in mud with visible machinery and debris on the lakebed.

Vessel Type Description

The DETROITER was a Dredge Barge, a type of vessel critical to waterway maintenance. These barges were used for excavating and removing sediment to keep channels, harbors, and rivers navigable. Measuring approximately 60 feet in length, the Barge was equipped with heavy-duty machinery, including a large winch, anchors, and coiled cables, vital for its dredging operations.

History

The specific operational history and details surrounding the DETROITER’s sinking are unclear. However, as a Dredge Barge, it likely played a crucial role in maintaining navigation channels, possibly near the Portage River Plate or surrounding Lake Erie waters.

Incident

While the cause and date of the vessel’s sinking are not documented, it now lies submerged near the Camp Perry Firing Range, adding unique considerations for navigation and diving.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies on the muddy lakebed in a north/south orientation, with several distinctive features:

•Winch submerged at 12 feet (3.6 meters).

•Anchor and coiled cables.

•Smokestack located on the southern side.

•A spud at the southwest corner.

•A bollard-style tow bit at the bow.

The Barge’s remains are partially buried, but much of its machinery and debris are still visible, offering insight into its original function and final moments.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•The wreck is located close to the Camp Perry Firing Range, an active military training area.

•Marine radio warnings on channel 16 must be monitored to avoid navigating during live exercises.

•Special caution is advised for both mariners and divers exploring the area due to potential hazards from nearby firing activities.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The DETROITER rests at a shallow depth of 20 feet, making it accessible to recreational divers. Key features, including the winch, anchor, and smokestack, provide intriguing exploration opportunities. However, its proximity to the firing range requires divers and mariners to proceed with caution.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context and records on Lake Erie shipwrecks.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Data on environmental conditions and underwater sites.

•Local Diver Reports: Detailed observations from dives at the DETROITER wreck site.

Keywords

DETROITER, Dredge Barge, Portage River Plate, Lake Erie, Shipwreck, Camp Perry Firing Range, Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Industrial Vessel, Navigation Hazard, Underwater Exploration.

Conclusion

The DETROITER is a fascinating wreck that offers a glimpse into the industrial history of the Great Lakes. Its role as a Dredge Barge highlights the importance of waterway maintenance in the region’s maritime economy. Resting near the Camp Perry Firing Range, the wreck presents an interesting dive site with visible remnants of its machinery and operational past. However, safety precautions related to the active firing range and shallow Navigation Hazards are essential for those venturing to explore this historic site.