Unidentified Schooner(Bay Coal)Possible INDUSTRY (1848)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: Possible INDUSTRY
Type: Scow (Sailing Vessel)
Date of Incident: Mid-1800s (Exact date unknown)
Location: Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio
Coordinates: 41° 33.009′ N, 81° 56.077′ W
Depth: 55 feet (17 meters)
Condition: The wreck lies with its bow facing north at a depth of 55 feet. The site is partially buried and shows signs of damage consistent with fire

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The INDUSTRY is believed to have been a scow, a type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel commonly used for transporting bulk cargo such as coal on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The scow was an essential workhorse for the region’s shipping industry, known for its simplicity and utility.

The vessel’s dimensions were approximately 74 feet 8 inches in length and 20 to 21 feet in beam. The INDUSTRY was likely powered by sail, typical for scows of that period, and was used to transport coal, its cargo at the time of loss.

HISTORY #

The INDUSTRY had a service history typical of many scows during the 19th century on the Great Lakes:

Built: The exact year and location of the scow’s construction are not documented, but it was likely built in the mid-1800s.
Ownership: The owners of the INDUSTRY are unknown due to the limited historical records available. It is assumed the vessel served under private ownership for transporting coal and other bulk materials.
Date of Loss: The vessel was lost in the mid-1800s, with fire speculated as the possible cause of its sinking. The specific circumstances surrounding the loss are unclear, but it was not uncommon for wooden vessels to catch fire due to onboard accidents or external factors during that era.

The wreck site was discovered at the coordinates provided, with evidence suggesting it may be the INDUSTRY based on the vessel’s dimensions, cargo, and condition.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The wreck lies at the bottom of Lake Erie at a depth of 55 feet, with its bow facing north. The scow is partially buried in the lakebed, and there are signs of damage consistent with a fire, which may have caused the vessel’s sinking. The INDUSTRY was not salvaged and remains at the site where it was lost.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, the site should be approached with caution due to the potential for debris and unstable conditions.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck was identified based on its dimensions and characteristics that match those of the scow INDUSTRY. The site was located at the coordinates provided, near Cleveland, Ohio, in Lake Erie.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the INDUSTRY lies in 55 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. The vessel is partially buried, and the condition suggests that the wreck has deteriorated over time due to its age and exposure to the elements. The fire damage has further compromised the integrity of the wreck, making it a challenging dive site.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and shipwreck databases.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The scow INDUSTRY, believed to have been lost in the mid-1800s, represents an important part of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. The vessel’s loss, likely due to a fire, underscores the challenges faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes. The wreck site near Cleveland provides valuable insights into the construction and operation of scows during this period, despite the challenges posed by its deteriorated condition.