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.

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: 15–20 ft (5–6 m)
• •Condition: Scattered wreckage with debris, remnants of dredge equipment

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CEI was a barge-type dredge operated by the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, tasked with maintaining and improving navigable waterways. Measuring approximately 60 feet in length, the vessel lacked its own propulsion system and was towed to operational sites. It performed dredging tasks such as sediment and debris removal to support maritime navigation in the Great Lakes region during the mid-1920s.

HISTORY

The CEI served as part of the fleet of the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, contributing to the development and maintenance of critical waterways around Lake Erie. Operating near Lorain, Ohio, the vessel performed dredging activities until its tragic loss.

Possible Causes:

While the exact circumstances of the CEI’s loss are unclear, the wreck site provides clues:

• Large rocks, steel cables, a winch, and other metal debris suggest the dredge may have encountered challenges such as harsh weather, operational stress, or collisions with underwater rock formations in the area.
• The unique geological features near the retaining wall could have posed additional risks to the vessel during its operations.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreckage of the CEI is scattered on the lakebed near Lorain, Ohio, at depths ranging from 15 to 20 feet. Key features of the site include:

• West Side of Intake Retaining Wall: Large rocks, a winch, steel cables, and various metal remnants.
• North of Retaining Wall: Fragments of the barge, including metal chains and a tow bit.
• Seabed Transition: Rocky terrain near the retaining wall shifting to sandy areas closer to shore.
• Nearby plant construction may have influenced the area’s underwater characteristics, contributing to the wreck’s current state.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Divers and mariners should be aware of the following hazards near the site:

• Heavy Current: The east side of the plant near the intake experiences strong currents, making entry dangerous.
• Boat Traffic: The western side of the site is busy with boats and personal watercraft from a nearby launch, requiring extra caution.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the CEI was first identified in the mid-1920s, shortly after its loss. It has since been documented in historical records and remains a known site for local divers and maritime historians.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition: The wreck is highly fragmented, with parts of the dredge scattered across the lakebed.
• Accessibility: The shallow depth makes the site accessible to divers of varying experience levels. However, the presence of strong currents and nearby boat traffic necessitates careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Erie Wrecks
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION

The CEI served as a vital dredge for maintaining waterways in the Great Lakes region during the 1920s. Its loss and subsequent wreckage near Lorain, Ohio, highlight the challenges of dredging operations in that era. The wreck site, now a scattered collection of debris and equipment, offers an opportunity for divers and historians to explore and study the intricacies of early 20th-century maritime operations.

TAGS

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Dredge #CEI #LorainOhio #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration

cei 1925-03-14 07:50:00