IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The TOLEDO was a dredge barge, a type of vessel used primarily for dredging operations, such as deepening harbors and waterways by removing sediments. Built in 1907, the TOLEDO was a significant asset for maintaining navigable waters in Lake Erie, contributing to the safe passage of other vessels.
HISTORY: #
The TOLEDO was constructed in 1907 by J. Laird & Sons in Ashtabula, Ohio. At 159 feet in length and weighing 960 tons, the dredge barge was designed to operate in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The vessel was primarily used for dredging operations in Lake Erie, ensuring that key ports and shipping lanes remained accessible.
On November 19, 1924, the TOLEDO met its tragic end. While being towed by the tug BURLEY, the dredge encountered a severe storm approximately one mile off Rattlesnake Island in Lake Erie. The barge was en route from South Bass Island to Toledo but attempted to turn back to Put-in-Bay as the weather worsened. Unfortunately, the storm proved too powerful, and the TOLEDO foundered.
Despite the loss of the vessel, the seven crew members on board were all rescued, avoiding any loss of life. The TOLEDO was owned by the LeBeau Wrecking Company, based in Toledo, and was under the command of Captain Clarence LeBeau at the time of the incident.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The TOLEDO now lies in three separate pieces at a depth of 35 feet (12 meters) in Lake Erie, about 2.8 miles north of the Green Island light. The wreck is a reminder of the dangers that ships faced on the Great Lakes, particularly during storms.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
The wreck of the TOLEDO is submerged and may pose a hazard to navigation, especially for vessels operating in the vicinity of Rattlesnake Island. Mariners should exercise caution and be aware of the wreck’s location.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The TOLEDO’s final resting place was documented after the wreck, with the coordinates marking the location where the barge lies in three pieces. The exact date of discovery is not specified, but the site is well-known among local divers and maritime historians.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in 35 feet of water, making it accessible to divers. The TOLEDO’s remains are scattered in three pieces, providing a unique diving experience for those interested in exploring historic shipwrecks in Lake Erie. The condition of the wreck is consistent with its age and the circumstances of its sinking.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #DredgeBarge
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
- #NavigationHazard
Conclusion: #
The sinking of the TOLEDO in November 1924 stands as a significant event in the maritime history of Lake Erie. As a dredge barge that played a crucial role in maintaining navigable waters, the TOLEDO’s loss during a severe storm off Rattlesnake Island underscores the perilous nature of maritime operations in the Great Lakes. Although the vessel was lost, the rescue of the entire crew highlights the bravery and quick action taken during the emergency. Today, the wreck of the TOLEDO remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who worked on these vast inland seas.
