Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Construction Cranes with Barge
- Type: Construction Equipment
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 100 ft X 35 ft (30.5 m X 10.7 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 16.5 m / 54 ft
- Location: 35.4 miles at 7T from Conneaut Harbor, Ohio; 20 miles at 120T from Port Burwell, Ontario
- Coordinates: 42° 29.750′ N, 80° 27.956′ W
- Original Owners: Dash Construction
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: This underwater site consists of various construction equipment, including two Kohring construction excavators, a diesel generator, and parts of a barge house.
Description
The site features two Kohring construction excavators, one of which is upright with its arm extending 25 feet above the lake bottom, while the second is partially resting on a Caterpillar loader that lies on its side. Additionally, there is a diesel generator and parts of a barge house, including a ceiling-mounted structure with four motors. The wreckage is spread over a sandy bottom, occupying an area approximately 100 feet by 35 feet.
History
The exact events leading to the submersion of this construction equipment remain a mystery. The items belonged to Dash Construction, but no records or reports clarify how or why they ended up on the bottom of Lake Erie. The site is believed to have been created sometime in the 1990s, though the specific date of the sinking is unknown. Despite its recent origins, the wreck has drawn significant interest due to its unusual contents and their unexpected placement on the lake floor.
Significant Incidents
- The site was discovered by Georgian and Mike Wachter using information provided by Mary Howard. The exact date of the discovery is not documented.
Final Disposition
Notable Features: The upright excavator is a striking feature, its arm rising dramatically from the bottom. The barge house components, including a ceiling-mounted motor structure, are positioned upside down, adding to the mystery and intrigue. A doorway from the barge house extends six feet above the lake bottom. These elements combine to create a surreal and unique underwater environment.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: The wreckage remains stable, with the machinery largely intact, though scattered and partially buried in sand.
Accessibility: The 54-foot depth makes this an excellent site for recreational divers. Visibility may vary based on local sediment conditions, but the site is accessible to divers of most experience levels.
Resources & Links
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The Construction Cranes with Barge site in Lake Erie is a unique dive experience and a lingering mystery in Great Lakes maritime history. Featuring industrial equipment unexpectedly sunk in the 1990s, the site offers both a striking visual environment and a compelling enigma for maritime researchers and diving enthusiasts. Its upright excavator and scattered machinery make it one of the most unusual wrecks in the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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