ADMIRAL (formerly W.H. MYER) U222239

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ADMIRAL (formerly W.H. MYER)
Type: Tugboat
Date of Incident: December 2, 1942
Location: Lake Erie, approximately 10 miles north of Avon Point, Ohio, and 18 miles west/northwest from Cleveland Harbor.
Coordinates: 41° 38.244′ N, 81° 54.197′ W
Depth: 70 feet (24 meters)
Condition: The wreck sits upright in 75 feet of water. It is largely intact, though silted in, and many artifacts have been removed.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ADMIRAL, originally built as the W.H. MYER in 1907 by Manitowoc Ship Building Co. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was a steel propeller tugboat. The vessel measured 93 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 130 tons and a net tonnage of 88 tons. Initially named W.H. MYER, the tug was owned by various companies throughout its service life, including Cleveland Tankers, Inc., and Allied Oil Co. of Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1942, the vessel was renamed ADMIRAL during a rebuild, just 89 days before its tragic sinking. The ADMIRAL served as a tow tug and occasionally as a harbor icebreaker, playing a vital role in wartime logistics by towing barges like the tanker barge CLEVECO.

HISTORY #

The ADMIRAL had a significant history, marked by its service during the war and its eventual sinking during a winter storm:

1907: Built by Manitowoc Ship Building Co. as the W.H. MYER for Great Lakes Towing Company.
1942: Renamed ADMIRAL and underwent a rebuild.
December 2, 1942: The ADMIRAL capsized and sank during a fierce winter gale while towing the tanker barge CLEVECO. Both vessels were lost in the storm, with the ADMIRAL going down approximately 10 miles north of Avon Point, Ohio. The sinking resulted in the loss of fourteen lives on the ADMIRAL and eighteen on the CLEVECO.

The sinking was believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including the accumulation of ice on both vessels, heavy snowfall reducing visibility, and possibly a strain on the towline. The ADMIRAL likely capsized when a wave overtook it, leading to its rapid sinking.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ADMIRAL now lies at the bottom of Lake Erie, upright in 75 feet of water. The wreck is largely intact, though the stern is almost entirely buried in silt and mud. Artifacts such as the bell and pilothouse equipment have been removed by divers over the years. The wreck is still a significant site, offering a glimpse into the tragic events of December 2, 1942.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. Divers should exercise caution when exploring the site, particularly when penetrating the wreck, as silt and debris may pose hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the ADMIRAL was located by divers in 1969. The site has been well-documented since then, with its coordinates and condition known to local maritime historians and diving communities.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the ADMIRAL lies in 75 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. While the wreck is largely intact, significant siltation has occurred, particularly in the crew quarters and galley. Divers are advised to be cautious when penetrating the wreck, especially in the pilothouse and engine room. The name of the tug, once visible on the bow, is now obscured by zebra mussels.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and vessel documentation.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The ADMIRAL, originally the W.H. MYER, served a vital role in Great Lakes maritime operations before its tragic sinking in 1942. The disaster, which also claimed the tanker barge CLEVECO, highlighted the dangers faced by wartime shipping on the Great Lakes. The wreck of the ADMIRAL remains an important historical site, offering insights into the challenges and risks of Great Lakes navigation during World War II.