Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: CRAFTSMAN

•Type: Crane Barge

•Date of Incident: June 3, 1958

•Location: Avon Point, Lake Erie, approximately 2 miles north of Avon Point

•Coordinates: 41° 31.932’ N, 82° 00.355’ W

•Depth: 41 feet (14 meters)

•Condition: Upright on the lakebed; the crane structure and Barge Hull are largely intact, though corrosion and degradation are present due to prolonged submersion.

Vessel Type Description

The CRAFTSMAN was a crane Barge, built in 1921, with a Gross Tonnage of 165 and a length of 90 feet. Registered under the U.S. Number 221068, this vessel was specifically designed for heavy lifting and industrial construction tasks. Crane barges like the CRAFTSMAN were critical for dredging operations and the development and maintenance of harbours, ports, and other maritime infrastructure.

History

•Construction & Service:

•Built in 1921, the CRAFTSMAN was operated by the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company.

•The Barge played an essential role in industrial activities on the Great Lakes, including dredging, heavy lifting, and construction.

•Its operations supported the development of vital maritime infrastructure across the region.

•Incident:

•On June 3, 1958, the CRAFTSMAN Foundered approximately 2 miles north of Avon Point in Lake Erie.

•Details about the sinking remain unclear, though the vessel was declared a Total Loss after the incident.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the CRAFTSMAN lies at a depth of 41 feet (14 meters), upright on the lakebed. Its crane structure and Barge Hull remain visible, offering a well-preserved site for exploration. Despite corrosion and degradation from decades underwater, the wreck retains many of its structural elements, providing a unique dive experience.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

•The wreck remains upright with a largely intact crane and Barge Hull.

•Structural corrosion is evident, but the overall condition allows for exploration.

•Accessibility:

•Located in 41 feet of water, the site is accessible to divers of various skill levels.

•The wreck’s features, including the crane, make it an intriguing site for underwater photography and historical exploration.

•Divers should exercise caution due to potential entanglement risks in the crane and structural debris.

Resources & Links

•Primary Sources:

•U.S. Vessel Losses on the Great Lakes

•Merchant Vessel List of the United States (1959)

•Further Reading:

•Great Lakes Wrecks and Maritime History

•Lake Erie Diving Resources

Historical Significance

The CRAFTSMAN exemplifies the industrial legacy of the Great Lakes during the 20th century. As a crane Barge, it supported critical maritime activities, contributing to the construction and maintenance of vital infrastructure. Its wreck serves as a reminder of the industrial operations that once thrived on Lake Erie and offers divers an opportunity to connect with this history through underwater exploration.

Conclusion

The CRAFTSMAN remains an important piece of Lake Erie’s industrial heritage. Its upright position and intact features provide a fascinating dive site, combining historical significance with the visual appeal of a well-preserved wreck. The story of the CRAFTSMAN highlights the essential role of crane barges in shaping the maritime infrastructure of the Great Lakes during the early 20th century.

Tags:

#GreatLakes #LakeErie #Shipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #CraneBarge #Craftsman #DivingSite #UnderwaterExploration