Cecil J. Shipwreck

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Cecil J.

• Type: Steamboat (Tug)

• Cargo: None

• Dimensions:

• Length: 47 feet (14.3 meters)

• Beam: 12.5 feet (3.8 meters)

• Depth: 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 14 tons

• Net: 9 tons

• Final Resting Place: Port Dover, Lake Erie

• Coordinates: 42° 45.785’ N, 13° 41.688’ W

• Depth of Wreck: 17 feet (4 meters)

• Power: Gasoline engine

• Year Built: 1915

• Builder: Erie, Pennsylvania

• Rebuilt: 1929 at Port Dover, Ontario, by George Gamble

• Owner(s): John Siskovic and Artley Martin, Port Dover, Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Cecil J. was a compact, gasoline-powered Tugboat designed for light towing and harbor work, reflecting the functional and utilitarian design of smaller workboats in the early 20th century. Rebuilt in 1929 to improve its capabilities, the vessel was robust yet simple, serving the localized needs of Port Dover’s busy maritime environment.

HISTORY

The Cecil J. was built in 1915 in Erie, Pennsylvania, and became an essential tool for general towing and harbor work in the Great Lakes region. By 1929, its operational capabilities were enhanced through a significant Rebuild in Port Dover, Ontario, under George Gamble’s direction.

However, the Tug’s later years were troubled. On May 27, 1944, the vessel was intentionally set on fire and scuttled by its owners, John Siskovic and Artley Martin. The precise motivations for this decision remain speculative, with possible explanations including financial struggles or avoidance of costly repairs and maintenance. Regardless, the deliberate sinking marked the end of the Cecil J.’s service on Lake Erie.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Cecil J. was burned and sunk in shallow waters off Port Dover, Lake Erie. The wreck now rests at a depth of 17 feet (4 meters), where it has remained as a silent witness to its intentional destruction.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck is relatively intact, given the controlled circumstances of its sinking. The shallow depth of 17 feet (4 meters) makes it an accessible site for divers of all experience levels. The wreck serves as a point of historical and recreational interest, showcasing the story of a modest yet vital workboat in the Great Lakes’ maritime industry.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck of the Cecil J., and the site does not pose a navigational hazard.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website

• Port Dover Harbour Museum: Explores local maritime heritage, including the story of the Cecil J.

• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: For environmental insights into the wreck site.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Dedicated to the preservation and study of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

CONCLUSION

The Cecil J. exemplifies the less-documented but equally significant contributions of smaller vessels to Great Lakes maritime history. Its decades-long service as a Tugboat in the bustling harbor of Port Dover highlights the indispensable role of such vessels in supporting local economies and industries. Although its fiery end and scuttling remain enigmatic, the wreck of the Cecil J. offers an accessible and intriguing site for divers and history enthusiasts alike, bringing attention to the uncelebrated workhorses of the Great Lakes’ maritime past.

KEYWORDS:

Cecil J., Lake Erie shipwreck, Port Dover maritime history, Great Lakes tugboats, 20th-century workboats, shipwreck diving, shallow wreck sites, Canadian Great Lakes vessels