Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: AYCLIFFE HALL

• Type: Bulk Freighter

• Date of Incident: October 11, 1936

• Location: Lake Erie, off Long Point, Ohio

• Coordinates: Latitude: 42° 22’ 31.5588” N, Longitude: -80° 21’ 13.86” W

• Depth: Not specified

• Condition: Dynamited by the Canadian government in 1939

Vessel Type Description

The AYCLIFFE HALL was a steel bulk freighter designed as a “canaller,” optimized for navigating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway canals. Built in 1928 by Smith’s Dock Co. in Stockton-On-Tees, UK, it measured 253 feet in length, 44 feet in beam, and 18 feet in depth. The ship’s 750–800 IHP triple-expansion engine, paired with two coal-fired Scotch boilers, powered its Screw Propulsion system, making it an efficient vessel for transporting bulk cargo like coal and grain.

Notable for its practical and modern design, the freighter featured a sheerless Hull, bluff bows, and a counter Stern, with six large cargo hatches. Painted in the Hall Corporation’s livery, its black Hull and white cabins stood out among the fleet.

History

The AYCLIFFE HALL joined the Hall Corporation of Canada’s fleet in 1928 as one of its modernized canal-sized steamers. It was the first vessel to carry the “Cliffe Hall” name and was a key player in the company’s bulk cargo operations.

The Collision and Sinking

On October 11, 1936, under dense fog near Long Point, Lake Erie, the AYCLIFFE HALL collided with the Steamer EDWARD J. BERWIND. The impact caused significant damage, and despite the crew’s efforts to save the vessel, it sank. Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the EDWARD J. BERWIND. The incident highlighted the perils of Great Lakes navigation, particularly under poor Visibility.

Salvage Attempts and Dynamiting

Initial salvage efforts in 1936 were unsuccessful, leaving the wreck submerged. Discovered by the U.S. Lighthouse tender CROCUS in 1939, the wreck was dynamited by the Canadian government to eliminate potential Navigation Hazards.

Final Disposition

The AYCLIFFE HALL remains on the bottom of Lake Erie near Long Point, though much of its structure was destroyed by dynamiting. The wreck site is no longer considered a navigational hazard.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the AYCLIFFE HALL, as the site was neutralized in 1939.

Located By & Date

• Discovered By: U.S. Lighthouse tender CROCUS

• Date: 1939

Resources & Links

• Ship of the Month No. 151 AYCLIFFE HALL

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Vessel History Database

• Bowling Green State University Archives

Conclusion

The AYCLIFFE HALL stands as a testament to the hazards of early 20th-century maritime navigation on the Great Lakes. Its collision and subsequent sinking underscore the challenges faced by bulk freighters operating in congested and often foggy waters. The decision to dynamite the wreck reflects the pragmatic approach to ensuring navigational safety in the region.

Today, the story of the AYCLIFFE HALL enriches the historical narrative of Great Lakes shipping, serving as a poignant reminder of both the dangers of maritime commerce and the measures taken to mitigate those risks.

Keywords

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