IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: UNKNOWN

Feature Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

Coordinates:

•Latitude: 41° 30’ 45.766” N

•Longitude: 81° 42’ 35.563” W

Location: Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio

Depth: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

Sounding Type: Feet and tenths

GPS Quality: High

Year Sunk: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck is likely a submerged vessel, possibly a Barge, based on its dimensions and orientation. Barges were commonly used throughout the Great Lakes for transporting heavy cargo, such as coal, lumber, or grain, and were often towed by larger vessels. Its southwest-northeast alignment is consistent with the direction of prevailing shipping routes in the area.

HISTORY

The history of this wreck remains unknown due to its unidentified status. It was first detected using Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and further investigated with a Vertical Beam Echo Sounder (VBES), which confirmed a minimum depth of 22 feet. The shallow depth suggests it may have been Abandoned, capsized, or sunk accidentally in the industrially active waters of Lake Erie.

Its location near Cleveland—a historically significant port for trade and industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries—hints that the wreck could date to this era. However, no definitive records have been linked to this particular vessel. This area of Lake Erie has seen numerous maritime accidents, often involving barges or other work vessels serving the bustling trade routes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck lies at a depth of 22 feet, submerged in a southwest-northeast orientation. Classified as a hazard to navigation, it has been documented in hydrographic surveys and the Chief of Engineers Hydrographic (CEH) database. Its shallow position and proximity to Cleveland necessitate caution for vessels operating in the area, particularly those with deeper drafts.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

The wreck is marked as a submerged hazard, and mariners are advised to avoid the area near the recorded coordinates. Its classification as dangerous to surface navigation emphasizes the need for careful passage in this section of Lake Erie.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck was first detected and documented in August 2008 using Side Scan Sonar and Vertical Beam Echo Sounder technology. The high accuracy of its location and depth measurement has allowed it to be effectively charted and entered into navigation databases.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck rests at a shallow depth of 22 feet, making it accessible for diving exploration. While its condition has not been extensively detailed, it may still retain some structural integrity, particularly if it is a Barge. Over time, exposure to water and sediment likely contributed to its deterioration. The site presents an opportunity for further archaeological study to uncover its identity and historical significance.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•NOAA Nautical Charts: Provide details of submerged hazards and wreck sites across Lake Erie.

•Chief of Engineers Hydrographic (CEH) Database: Documents findings from hydrographic surveys.

Tags:

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeErie #Barge #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckResearch #NavigationHazard

Conclusion:

The UNKNOWN wreck near Cleveland, Ohio, offers a mysterious yet intriguing addition to the maritime history of Lake Erie. With its suspected role as a Barge supporting industrial activities, the wreck speaks to the rich heritage of trade and commerce in the region. Its shallow depth and documented position make it a known hazard for navigation, while also providing a potential site for historical and archaeological research. Further exploration may reveal more about this enigmatic vessel and its contribution to the industrial legacy of the Great Lakes.