IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Venus was a steel-hulled bulk freighter, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes, used primarily for transporting large quantities of bulk cargo such as iron ore, coal, and other raw materials. Built in 1901, the Venus was equipped with a triple expansion steam engine and Scotch boilers, which were standard for freighters of its size and era. The vessel’s robust construction and significant cargo capacity made it an integral part of the industrial supply chain across the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Venus was built in 1901 by the American Shipbuilding Co. in Lorain, Ohio, for the Gilchrist Transportation Co. The vessel played a key role in the transportation of bulk goods, reflecting the industrial growth and economic importance of the Great Lakes during the early 20th century.
In 1913, the Venus was acquired by the Interlake Steamship Co., a major player in the Great Lakes shipping industry. The vessel underwent significant modifications in 1927, when it was converted into a crane ship by the Toledo Shipbuilding Co. This conversion included the installation of two revolving cranes, which expanded the ship’s utility beyond simple cargo transport.
Ownership of the Venus changed hands several times, with its final owners being the Steel Products Steamship Corp., a subsidiary of Bethlehem Steel Corp., in 1958. The vessel was renamed Steel Products during this period.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
In 1961, while being towed to Port Colborne, Ontario, the Venus stranded and was abandoned near Point Abino, Ontario, in Lake Erie. It was subsequently sold to Marine Salvage, Ltd., and scrapping operations began in the winter of 1961-1962, led by Harry Gamble of Port Dover, Ontario. The vessel partially sank during the scrapping process and remains at Point Abino, becoming a notable wreck site known as the Skerkston Shores Wreck.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The Venus was stranded and partially sank in 1961. The wreck was located near Point Abino, and the site has become known to divers and local historians.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Venus wreck are mentioned. The shallow depth of the wreck makes it easily accessible but may pose a hazard to smaller watercraft.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Reef Warriors Blog: Link
- Great Lakes Ships File: Link
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
- Boatnerd: Link
- Kayaker’s Forum on Facebook: Link
CONCLUSION #
The Venus, later known as the Steel Products, is a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history. Its evolution from a bulk freighter to a crane ship highlights the adaptability required by vessels to remain economically viable over decades. The wreck at Point Abino serves as a physical reminder of the region’s industrial past and offers a unique diving opportunity for those interested in maritime history.
Keywords #
Venus, Steel Products, Skerkston Shores Wreck, bulk freighter, Great Lakes shipwreck, Point Abino, Lake Erie, shipwreck diving, marine salvage, Bethlehem Steel, crane ship conversion.
