Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Asa Covell
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: VanSlyke & Notter, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 20 gross tons (approx. 18 metric tonnes); 10 net tons (approx. 9 metric tonnes)
- Location: Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, Ohio
- Coordinates: Not available
- Official Number: 398
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Asa Covell was a small wooden steam-powered tugboat, commonly referred to as a “propeller tug” due to its propulsion method. These vessels were integral to 19th-century maritime operations, assisting larger ships in navigating harbors and rivers.
Description
Constructed in 1852 by VanSlyke & Notter in Buffalo, New York, the Asa Covell was a modest-sized tugboat designed for towing duties. With a gross tonnage of 20 and a net tonnage of 10, it was equipped with a 50-horsepower steam engine, suitable for maneuvering other vessels through the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
History
Throughout its operational life, the Asa Covell served as a reliable workhorse, facilitating the movement of ships within ports and along rivers. On June 6, 1869, while towing the brig Iroquois up the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, the tug experienced a catastrophic boiler explosion. The force of the blast was so severe that the pilothouse was blown into the river, resulting in the immediate death of Captain Joseph Greenhalgh. The vessel sank shortly thereafter. (alcheminc.com)
Significant Incidents
- June 6, 1869: The Asa Covell suffered a boiler explosion while towing the brig Iroquois, resulting in the death of Captain Joseph Greenhalgh and the sinking of the vessel.
Final Disposition
The Asa Covell sank in the Cuyahoga River following the boiler explosion. Given the location and nature of the incident, it’s likely that the wreck was either salvaged or dismantled to prevent obstruction to river traffic. However, specific records detailing the post-incident handling of the wreck are not readily available.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no documented discovery or identification of the Asa Covell’s wreckage.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”asa-covell-us-398″ title=”References & Links”]
The tragic loss of the Asa Covell underscores the inherent risks of steam-powered navigation during the 19th century. Boiler explosions were a known hazard, often resulting from overpressure or mechanical failure. The incident not only claimed the life of its captain but also serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who worked the Great Lakes’ bustling waterways.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Asa Covell
- Official Number: 398
- Date Built: 1852
- Builder: VanSlyke & Notter, Buffalo, New York
- Specifications: Wooden steam propeller tug, 20 gross tons (approx. 18 metric tonnes), 10 net tons (approx. 9 metric tonnes)
- Date Lost: June 6, 1869
- Location: Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, Ohio, Lake Erie
- Cause of Loss: Boiler explosion
- Casualties: 1 fatality (Captain Joseph Greenhalgh)
Vessel Type
The Asa Covell was a small wooden steam-powered tugboat, commonly referred to as a “propeller tug” due to its propulsion method. These vessels were integral to 19th-century maritime operations, assisting larger ships in navigating harbors and rivers.
Description
Constructed in 1852 by VanSlyke & Notter in Buffalo, New York, the Asa Covell was a modest-sized tugboat designed for towing duties. With a gross tonnage of 20 and a net tonnage of 10, it was equipped with a 50-horsepower steam engine, suitable for maneuvering other vessels through the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
History
Throughout its operational life, the Asa Covell served as a reliable workhorse, facilitating the movement of ships within ports and along rivers. On June 6, 1869, while towing the brig Iroquois up the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, the tug experienced a catastrophic boiler explosion. The force of the blast was so severe that the pilothouse was blown into the river, resulting in the immediate death of Captain Joseph Greenhalgh. The vessel sank shortly thereafter.(alcheminc.com)
Final Disposition
The Asa Covell sank in the Cuyahoga River following the boiler explosion. Given the location and nature of the incident, it’s likely that the wreck was either salvaged or dismantled to prevent obstruction to river traffic. However, specific records detailing the post-incident handling of the wreck are not readily available.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, there is no documented discovery or identification of the Asa Covell’s wreckage.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding the Asa Covell wreck site.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
- Lake Erie Shipwreck Map
- History of the Great Lakes – Wisconsin Genealogy Resources
- linkstothepast.com
- alcheminc.com
- ProQuest
Conclusion
The tragic loss of the Asa Covell underscores the inherent risks of steam-powered navigation during the 19th century. Boiler explosions were a known hazard, often resulting from overpressure or mechanical failure. The incident not only claimed the life of its captain but also serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who worked the Great Lakes’ bustling waterways.
Suggested Keywords and Categories:
- Keywords: Asa Covell, Cuyahoga River, boiler explosion, steam tug, Great Lakes shipwreck
- Categories: Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, 19th Century Navigation
- Glossary Terms:
- Boiler Explosion: A sudden and violent release of energy due to the failure of a boiler, often resulting in significant damage or loss of life.
- Propeller Tug: A small, powerful boat equipped with a propeller, used to maneuver larger vessels by towing or pushing them.
- Gross Tonnage: A measure of the overall internal volume of a ship.(iStockPhoto.com)