Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Possible INDUSTRY
- Type: Scow (Sailing Vessel)
- Year Built: Mid-1800s
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approx. 74 ft 8 in (22.8 m); Beam 20-21 ft; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 17 m / 55 ft
- Location: Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio
- Coordinates: 41° 33.009′ N, 81° 56.077′ W
- Number of Masts: Two masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The INDUSTRY was likely a flat-bottomed scow, a common sailing vessel on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These vessels were practical and economical, used primarily for transporting bulk cargo like coal, limestone, or grain. Their flat bottoms made them ideal for navigating the shallow waters of harbors and canals.
Description
The wreck lies with its bow facing north, partially buried, with visible signs of fire damage. The vessel is deteriorated but retains enough structural integrity to allow for identification.
History
Construction and Early Service: Likely built in the mid-1800s, though exact details about its construction and builder remain unknown. Used extensively for regional bulk cargo transport, reflecting the importance of scows in supporting the growing industries of the Great Lakes.
Final Voyage and Loss: The INDUSTRY was reportedly carrying a cargo of coal when it sank. A fire aboard the vessel is suspected as the cause of the loss, though records are scarce. Fires were a common hazard for wooden vessels during this period, often caused by accidents, faulty equipment, or external factors such as lightning strikes or dockside mishaps.
Discovery of the Wreck: Located at the provided coordinates near Cleveland, Ohio. Analysis of the wreck’s dimensions, layout, and cargo matches historical descriptions of the INDUSTRY, making it a strong candidate for identification.
Significant Incidents
- No formal Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued for the site, but caution is advised due to potential debris and the fragile nature of the wreck.
Final Disposition
The wreck is located at the bottom of Lake Erie, at a depth of 55 feet (17 meters), partially buried in silt. Significant fire damage is visible on the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies at a depth of 55 feet, making it accessible to recreational divers with proper training. Water clarity and visibility conditions vary seasonally on Lake Erie. Fire damage and prolonged submersion have weakened the structure, and partial burial in the lakebed provides some preservation but limits access to lower sections of the hull.
Resources & Links
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The wreck of the INDUSTRY near Cleveland, Ohio, offers valuable insights into the historical shipping practices of the Great Lakes. Despite the lack of conclusive historical documentation, the evidence aligns with the vessel’s reported size, cargo, and fire damage. It serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by 19th-century sailors and the critical role such vessels played in the region’s economic development.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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