IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Dundee

Type: Schooner Barge

Built: 1893, West Bay City, Michigan

Builder: Davidson Shipbuilding Company

Length: 211 feet (64.3 meters)

Beam: 35 feet (10.7 meters)

Depth: 16.5 feet (5 meters)

Gross Tonnage: 1,043 tons

Net Tonnage: 991 tons

Depth of Wreck: 75 feet (24 meters)

Location: Cleveland, Ohio, Lake Erie

Coordinates: N41° 41.330’ W81° 50.634’

Final Resting Place: Submerged off Cleveland, Ohio

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Dundee was a three-masted Schooner Barge built in 1893, primarily designed to carry bulk cargoes such as coal. As a Schooner Barge, the vessel was often towed by larger steam-powered vessels, enabling it to transport large loads across the Great Lakes efficiently. Its robust wooden Hull and large dimensions made it a reliable vessel for its time.

HISTORY

The Dundee was launched in 1893 in West Bay City, Michigan, and was registered in Cleveland, Ohio, as its home port. The vessel was part of the busy coal trade on the Great Lakes, often operating in conjunction with other vessels. Notable tow arrangements included being towed by the City of Glasgow in 1894 and the Onoko in 1898.

On September 11, 1900, during a severe storm on Lake Erie, the Dundee was lost near Cleveland. Alongside it, the Steamer John B. Lyonalso met its fate in the same storm. While the John B. Lyon was deemed beyond salvage, the relatively newer Dundee was initially considered for recovery due to its condition and recent construction.

SALVAGE EFFORTS

Efforts to salvage the Dundee began shortly after the storm. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel was viable for recovery and repair. However, Captain William Gerlach, the owner, eventually Abandoned the wreck to underwriters. It is unclear whether insurance companies pursued the salvage or claimed it as a Total Loss. By October 9, 1900, the government survey Steamer Visitor evaluated the wreck and recommended its removal due to navigational hazards. Notices were issued to the owners, but no subsequent records confirm whether the government completed the removal or if the wreck was left in place.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Dundee remains submerged in 75 feet (24 meters) of water off the coast of Cleveland, Ohio. Its location near Timber Island makes it a well-documented wreck and a poignant reminder of the perilous conditions faced by vessels on Lake Erie. The wreckage serves as an underwater artifact of the Great Lakes maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently active for the Dundee wreck site. Divers and mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating or exploring the area, as submerged wreckage poses potential hazards.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Dundee lies at a manageable depth of 75 feet (24 meters), making it accessible to recreational divers with appropriate experience. The wreck is reported to be well-preserved due to its wooden construction and the relatively cold freshwater environment of Lake Erie.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive source for historical records on vessels like the Dundee.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Includes detailed entries on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Provides insights into the environmental conditions of Lake Erie and its impact on shipwrecks.

CONCLUSION

The Dundee was a significant vessel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the thriving coal trade on the Great Lakes. Its tragic sinking during the storm of 1900 highlights the dangers faced by mariners navigating Lake Erie. Today, the wreck offers divers and historians a glimpse into a bygone era of Great Lakes shipping, preserving the memory of the vessels and crews who braved these waters.

Keywords: Dundee, Schooner Barge, Lake Erie Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Cleveland Shipwreck, 1900 Storm, Timber Island, Coal Trade Vessels.