Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.D. No. 2
- Type: Derrick Scow (Unrigged)
- Year Built: 1906
- Builder: R. Weddell, Trenton, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 70 ft (21.3 m); Beam: 30 ft (9.1 m); Depth: 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 94 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 14.6 m / 48 ft
- Location: Lake Erie, approximately 3.5 miles west of Erieau, Ontario, and 12 miles from the harbor
- Official Number: C156942
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C.D. No. 2 was a wooden derrick scow, a specialized type of unrigged vessel often used for construction, dredging, and other industrial purposes on waterways. With its sturdy construction, the scow was designed for heavy-duty operations rather than navigation or cargo transportation. It served as a workhorse for maritime projects before its untimely loss.
Description
The C.D. No. 2 was built in 1906 by R. Weddell in Trenton, Ontario, and registered in Chatham, Ontario. The scow served for over three decades, likely participating in dredging and construction projects across the Great Lakes, reflecting its role as a support vessel for industrial operations.
History
On August 30, 1940, the C.D. No. 2 met its end approximately 3.5 miles west of Erieau, Ontario, in Lake Erie. Foundering in eight fathoms of water (48 feet), the vessel sank and was declared a total loss.
The exact circumstances of the sinking remain unclear. No specific details regarding the vessel’s cargo or the fate of its crew are documented in historical records. Despite its seemingly modest role in maritime history, the scow’s loss underscores the inherent risks of operating on the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- The C.D. No. 2 sank on August 30, 1940, in Lake Erie.
- The wreck was declared a total loss.
- No specific details regarding the vessel’s cargo or the fate of its crew are documented.
Final Disposition
The C.D. No. 2 rests at the bottom of Lake Erie in approximately 48 feet (14.6 m) of water. Its final resting place has not been prominently marked or designated as a dive site, and the wreck’s condition remains undocumented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site of the C.D. No. 2 is presumed to be accessible to experienced divers, given the relatively shallow depth of 48 feet. However, without detailed exploration or survey data, the current condition of the wreck is unknown.
Resources & Links
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The C.D. No. 2, though a utilitarian vessel, is part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history. Its tragic loss in 1940 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by even the most unassuming vessels in these vast inland seas. The derrick scow’s final resting place in Lake Erie remains a silent testament to the risks of industrial and maritime operations, offering an enduring story for future exploration and remembrance.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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