IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
This site consists of various construction equipment, including two Kohring construction excavators, a Caterpillar loader, a diesel generator, and parts of the house of a barge. The equipment was likely part of a construction operation and ended up at the bottom of Lake Erie under mysterious circumstances. The wreckage is spread across a sandy bottom and occupies an area approximately 100 feet by 35 feet.
HISTORY: #
The exact history and details leading to the sinking of this equipment remain a mystery. The equipment belonged to Dash Construction, but records do not indicate the purpose or operations that led to the loss. The equipment likely sank sometime in the 1990s, but the precise date of loss is unknown. Despite its relatively recent submersion, the site has already become an intriguing dive location, drawing attention due to its unusual contents and arrangement.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The site includes two Kohring excavators, one of which remains upright with its arm extending 25 feet off the bottom. The second excavator is partially ramped over a Caterpillar loader that lies on its side. Additionally, parts of the barge house, including a structure with four motors mounted on what would have been the ceiling, are found upside down on the lake floor. A doorway from the house extends six feet above the lake bottom, adding to the mysterious and eerie nature of the site.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this site. However, given its location and the unusual nature of the wreckage, mariners should exercise caution when navigating in the vicinity.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
This wreck was discovered by Georgian and Mike Wachter, using information provided by Mary Howard. The exact date of discovery is not specified.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck is in relatively shallow water, making it accessible for diving. The site’s condition is stable, with the equipment largely intact, though scattered and partially buried in the sandy bottom. The upright excavator and the barge house’s structure are notable features that make this site particularly interesting for divers.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State University Archives
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships 3D Model Collection
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #ConstructionEquipment
- #MaritimeMystery
- #WreckDiving
- #ShipwreckResearch
Conclusion: #
The Construction Cranes with Barge site in Lake Erie is a fascinating and mysterious wreck, consisting of construction equipment that ended up on the lake bottom under unclear circumstances. Discovered in the 1990s, this site offers a unique dive experience, with its upright excavator and scattered equipment creating a surreal underwater landscape. The cause of loss remains unknown, making this site not only a point of interest for divers but also a lingering enigma in Great Lakes maritime history.
