DENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The wreck is believed to be a submerged vessel, possibly a barge, lying in a southwest-northeast direction. The exact type of vessel is not confirmed, but the wreck’s dimensions and orientation suggest it could be a barge, which were commonly used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
HISTORY: #
The history of this wreck is largely unknown, as the vessel remains unidentified. The wreck was first detected using Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and was subsequently investigated using a Vertical Beam Echo Sounder (VBES). The data revealed a minimum depth of 22 feet, making it a potential hazard to navigation in the area. The precise circumstances leading to the vessel’s sinking are not documented, and the wreck’s origin remains a mystery.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The wreck lies submerged at a depth of 22 feet in Lake Erie, positioned in a southwest-northeast direction. Its status as a hazard to surface navigation necessitated its documentation in hydrographic records. The wreck’s location and details were entered into the Chief of Engineers Hydrographic (CEH) database in August 2008.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
The wreck is marked as a submerged hazard, dangerous to surface navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating near the recorded coordinates, as the wreck poses a significant risk, particularly to vessels with deeper drafts.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck was detected and documented using Side Scan Sonar and Vertical Beam Echo Sounder technology. The findings were entered into the CEH database in August 2008, providing a high degree of accuracy regarding its position and depth.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in 22 feet of water, making it accessible for diving, though it is classified as a hazard. The condition of the wreck is not detailed, but its shallow depth and orientation make it a point of interest for further exploration and study. Given its potential identification as a barge, the wreck may be largely intact, though deteriorating due to exposure to the elements.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #Barge
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
- #NavigationHazard
Conclusion: #
The UNKNOWN wreck near Cleveland, Ohio, in Lake Erie presents a mysterious case, with little known about its origins or the circumstances leading to its sinking. Detected using advanced sonar technology, the wreck is considered dangerous to surface navigation due to its shallow depth of 22 feet. Its classification as a potential barge suggests it played a role in the industrial activities of the region, and further investigation could uncover more about this enigmatic vessel. The wreck’s position and depth have been accurately documented, ensuring it is noted as a hazard for modern navigation.
