CECIL J. C170676

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Cell 1

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)
- Gross Tonnage: 14 tons
- Net Tonnage: 9 tons
Location:
- 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 of Port Dover, Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Cecil J. was a small tugboat designed for general towing and harbor work, equipped with a gasoline engine. Originally constructed in Erie, Pennsylvania, the vessel was later rebuilt in Port Dover, Ontario, to enhance its capabilities. It was a compact, robust boat, well-suited for the needs of its owners in the Great Lakes region.

HISTORY #

The Cecil J. had a troubled and somewhat mysterious history. Built in 1915, it served its purpose as a tugboat for nearly three decades. In 1929, the vessel underwent significant rebuilding in Port Dover, Ontario, under the supervision of George Gamble. Despite its utility, the boat’s final years were marred by unfortunate circumstances.

On May 27, 1944, the Cecil J. met its end when it was intentionally burned and scuttled by its owners, John Siskovic and Artley Martin. The reasons behind this drastic action remain unclear, but it suggests financial difficulties or possibly an attempt to avoid further costs associated with maintaining the aging vessel.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Cecil J. was intentionally set on fire and sunk in shallow waters off the coast of Port Dover, Lake Erie. The wreck now lies at a depth of 17 feet (4 meters), making it accessible for exploration by divers interested in the history of smaller workboats in the Great Lakes.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the Cecil J. remains relatively intact, given its shallow depth. The site is easily accessible for divers, and the wreck serves as a point of interest for those exploring the history of maritime activities in Lake Erie. The low depth makes it a suitable dive site for novice divers or those interested in shallow wrecks.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource covering shipwrecks, including the Cecil J., and other vessels in the Great Lakes.
Port Dover Harbour Museum: Local museum offering insights into the maritime history of Port Dover, including vessels like the Cecil J.
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Provides environmental data that can help understand the conditions surrounding the wreck site of the Cecil J.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: A resource dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including smaller vessels like the Cecil J.

CONCLUSION #

The Cecil J. stands as a testament to the more utilitarian aspects of Great Lakes maritime history. Unlike grand passenger liners or massive freighters, the Cecil J. was a workhorse, serving its owners for nearly three decades before meeting a deliberate and fiery end. Today, the wreck offers a glimpse into the lives of the smaller vessels that were just as crucial to the region’s economic and social fabric. Its accessible location in shallow waters near Port Dover makes it an intriguing dive site for those interested in the more obscure and personal stories of the Great Lakes’ maritime past