IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHARLES H. DAVIS was a steam-powered screw steamer built in 1881 in Saginaw, Michigan. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 390 tons and a net tonnage of 333 tons. It measured 145.0 feet in length, 31.0 feet in beam, and 9.0 feet in depth. The steamer was powered by an engine with 185 indicated horsepower, making it capable of handling the rigors of cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The CHARLES H. DAVIS served for over two decades as a steam screw vessel on the Great Lakes, transporting goods and navigating the challenging waters of the region. On June 13, 1903, the vessel encountered severe weather conditions while attempting to enter Cleveland Harbor during a gale. The steamer foundered and ultimately sank in the turbulent waters. The available historical records do not provide detailed information about the cause of the sinking or the fate of the crew, leaving the exact circumstances of the incident shrouded in mystery.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CHARLES H. DAVIS sank near the entrance to Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie, during a gale. After the sinking, the wreck was located by the U.S. Engineer at Cleveland, and a red and black spar buoy was placed to mark its position. The wreck’s location was made public in the Buffalo Evening News on June 16, 1903. Due to the lack of detailed records, the specifics of the vessel’s final moments, including the fate of those aboard, remain unknown.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
The wreck of the CHARLES H. DAVIS was marked with a red and black spar buoy following its discovery, signaling its presence as a navigational hazard in Cleveland Harbor.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was located by the U.S. Engineer at Cleveland shortly after the sinking, as reported on June 16, 1903.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The current condition of the wreck is unknown. Given the vessel’s sinking over a century ago and its location near a harbor entrance, the wreck may have deteriorated significantly or been affected by harbor operations. The exact depth and accessibility are not provided, but the wreck was considered a navigational hazard at the time.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Primary Sources: Historical accounts from the Chicago Inter Ocean (June 14, 1903) and Buffalo Evening News(June 16, 1903).
- Further Reading: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Google Books for historical ship records.
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the CHARLES H. DAVIS on June 13, 1903, is a reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather. The lack of detailed information about the incident and the fate of the crew adds a layer of mystery to this maritime tragedy. The wreck’s location was marked as a navigational hazard, underscoring the importance of maintaining awareness of submerged dangers in the busy waters near Cleveland Harbor.
10. TAGS #
- Tags: #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Steamer #CharlesHDavis #ClevelandHarbor #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration
