Identification & Site Information

• Name: C.D. No. 2

• Type: Derrick Scow (Unrigged)

• Year Built: 1906

• Builder: R. Weddell, Trenton, Ontario

• Official Number: C156942

• Dimensions:

• Length: 70 feet (21.3 m)

• Beam: 30 feet (9.1 m)

• Depth: 5 feet (1.5 m)

• Tonnage: 94 gross tons

• Final Location: Lake Erie, approximately 3.5 miles west of Erieau, Ontario, and 12 miles from the harbor

• Coordinates: Not specified

• Depth: 8 fathoms (48 feet or 14.6 m)

• Date of Wreck: August 30, 1940

Vessel Type Description

The C.D. No. 2 was a wooden derrick scow, a specialized type of unrigged vessel often used for construction, dredging, and other industrial purposes on waterways. With its sturdy construction, the scow was designed for heavy-duty operations rather than navigation or cargo transportation. It served as a workhorse for maritime projects before its untimely loss.

History

Construction and Service

The C.D. No. 2 was built in 1906 by R. Weddell in Trenton, Ontario, and registered in Chatham, Ontario. The scow served for over three decades, likely participating in dredging and construction projects across the Great Lakes, reflecting its role as a support vessel for industrial operations.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On August 30, 1940, the C.D. No. 2 met its end approximately 3.5 miles west of Erieau, Ontario, in Lake Erie. Foundering in eight fathoms of water (48 feet), the vessel sank and was declared a Total Loss.

The exact circumstances of the sinking remain unclear. No specific details regarding the vessel’s cargo or the fate of its crew are documented in historical records. Despite its seemingly modest role in maritime history, the scow’s loss underscores the inherent risks of operating on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The C.D. No. 2 rests at the bottom of Lake Erie in approximately 48 feet (14.6 m) of water. Its final resting place has not been prominently marked or designated as a dive site, and the wreck’s condition remains undocumented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site of the C.D. No. 2 is presumed to be accessible to experienced divers, given the relatively shallow depth of 48 feet. However, without detailed exploration or survey data, the current condition of the wreck is unknown.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Lake Erie Shipwreck Map

Conclusion

The C.D. No. 2, though a utilitarian vessel, is part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history. Its tragic loss in 1940 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by even the most unassuming vessels in these vast inland seas. The derrick scow’s final resting place in Lake Erie remains a silent testament to the risks of industrial and maritime operations, offering an enduring story for future exploration and remembrance.

Keywords

C.D. No. 2, Lake Erie shipwreck, derrick scow, Great Lakes maritime history, Erieau Ontario, 1940 shipwreck, R. Weddell, unrigged scow, industrial vessel loss.