CEI

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: CEI
Type: Barge-type Dredge
Date of Incident: Mid-1920s (Exact date unknown)
Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 30.51′ N, 82° 03.41′ W
Depth: 15 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters)
Condition: Scattered wreckage; site contains various debris and remnants of the dredge

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The dredge CEI was a barge-type vessel owned by the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company. As a barge, it did not have its own propulsion system and was likely towed to its operational locations. The CEI was used for dredging operations in the Great Lakes region during the mid-1920s. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the vessel served its purpose until it met its demise.

The CEI was relatively small, measuring about 60 feet in length. The vessel was involved in dredging activities, which typically included the removal of sediment and debris from the bottom of lakes and rivers to maintain navigable waterways.

HISTORY #

The dredge CEI was part of the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company’s fleet during the mid-1920s, playing a role in maintaining and improving waterways in the region. The vessel operated near Lorain, Ohio, in Lake Erie. Unfortunately, the dredge met a tragic end, resulting in its loss and scattering across the lakebed.

The exact cause of the loss is not well-documented, but several factors observed at the wreck site provide clues. Large rocks, a winch, steel cables, and various metal parts from the dredge are scattered around the site, suggesting that the vessel may have been damaged or overwhelmed by the elements during its operations. The unique rock formations in the area may also have contributed to the challenges faced by the CEI.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The wreck of the dredge CEI now lies scattered at the bottom of Lake Erie near Lorain, Ohio. The site ranges in depth from 15 to 20 feet, with debris spread out across the lakebed. On the west side of the intake retaining wall, large rocks, a winch, steel cables, and metal parts from the dredge can be found. North of the retaining wall, only fragments of the barge remain, including metal chains and a tow bit.

The seabed around the site transitions from rocky terrain on the north side of the wall to sand closer to the shore. The presence of the nearby plant and its construction may have influenced the unique characteristics of the area.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring the vicinity of the dredge CEI wreck. The east side of the plant near the site experiences a heavy current due to the water intake, making it unsafe to enter that area. Additionally, the western side of the site is characterized by significant boat and personal watercraft traffic due to the nearby boat launch.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the dredge CEI was identified in the mid-1920s, shortly after its loss. The site has been documented in historical records and is known to local divers and maritime historians.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the CEI lies in shallow water, making it accessible to divers. However, the site is scattered and consists mostly of debris and remnants of the dredge. The presence of hazards, including the heavy current on the east side and boat traffic on the west side, requires careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines when exploring the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and diving reports.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The dredge CEI served as an important vessel for maintaining navigable waterways in the Great Lakes region during the mid-1920s. Its loss and the subsequent scattering of its remains near Lorain, Ohio, offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels engaged in dredging operations. The site, now a collection of debris and remnants, remains a point of interest for divers and historians alike, highlighting the complexities of maritime operations in the early 20th century.