Site Description #
- Tug
- 73ft 23m Length Scattered
- 12ffw 3m depths
- Avon Point, Ohio
- Lake Erie
- N 41 30.768
W 82 01.894
History #
The Alva B, a steam tug built in 1890 by the Union Dry Dock Co. in Buffalo, New York, had the official number 106738. It was registered as a wooden vessel and had a length of 73.50 feet, a width of 18.42 feet, and a depth of 10.50 feet. The Alva B had a gross tonnage of 83 and a net tonnage of 41.
On November 1, 1917, the Alva B met its unfortunate fate off Avon Point, Ohio, in Lake Erie. The vessel, carrying no cargo and with eight people on board, foundered during a storm. Thankfully, there were no lives lost in the incident. The Alva B was classified as a total loss.
It is worth noting that prior to its loss, the Alva B had reportedly been lying at Sandusky, Ohio, for some time and had dried out. The vessel had a history of accidents and ownership changes, including being sunk by the steamer City of Detroit in 1898. Over the years, it changed hands and was owned by various towing companies such as Vessel Owners’ Towing Co., Great Lakes Towing Co., H.S. Kerbaugh, Inc., and American Towing Co.
Currently, the propeller of the Alva B is displayed at Avon Lake, serving as a reminder of the vessel’s history. Divers and snorkelers can explore the wreck, which sits upright in shallow waters. However, caution is advised due to the presence of the steam boiler, which rises close to the water’s surface and can be a potential navigation hazard during low water levels. The wreck also serves as a habitat for various Lake Erie fish species and attracts anglers.
While some artifacts from the Alva B were removed and placed on display at different locations, including the propeller at Miller Road Park in Avon Lake and the anchor and anchor chain at the Aqua Marine Resort, their original shipwreck site provides an opportunity for non-divers and maritime enthusiasts to witness a piece of maritime history.
