Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Crib Wreckage
- Type: Structure
- Year Built: 1898-1904
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 15 m / 50 ft
- Location: Vicinity of Cleveland Water Intake Crib #3, ~5 miles offshore
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Not a shipwreck; identified as industrial debris likely from the construction of the Five-Mile Crib.
Description
Description
The Crib Wreckage consists of a flat, raft-like wooden structure, likely construction debris, resting flush or slightly above the muddy lakebed. It features exposed parallel joists and square-bolted timbers forming a structure approximately 10-20 ft in height. One beam protrudes 2-3 ft above the deck, with no ship-like hardware observed.
History
History
The Five-Mile Crib (Crib #3) was built between 1898 and 1904 as part of Cleveland’s water intake system. Water cribs served to house intake shafts and support tunnels supplying Lake Erie water to the city.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Initial target found on June 6, 2009, with the dive conducted on June 13, 2009.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The findings indicate that the Crib Wreckage is not a maritime wreck but a fragment of the intake crib structure used by the City of Cleveland.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site is located at a depth of approximately 50 ft (15 m) with surface temperatures around 65°F and visibility ranging from 5-6 ft at the surface to 3-4 ft near the bottom.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”crib-wreckage” title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The dive findings strongly support that the Crib Wreckage is not a maritime wreck but a surviving fragment of the intake crib structure used by the City of Cleveland in the early 20th century. Further evidence or engineering archives would finalize this identification.
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.
Overview
- Date: June 13, 2009 (initial target found June 6)
- Team: David VanZandt, Kevin Magee, Lorry Wagner (CLUE)
- Site: Vicinity of Cleveland Water Intake Crib #3 (“Five‑Mile Crib”), ~5 miles offshore in Lake Erie
- Depth: ~50 ft (15 m)
- Conditions: Surface temp ~65 °F; visibility 5–6 ft surface, 3–4 ft near bottom; bottom temp ~60 °F (clueshipwrecks.org)
Site Description
- A flat, raft‑like wooden structure—likely platform or crib‑construction debris—resting flush or slightly above the muddy lakebed
- Exposed parallel joists (approx. 6–12 in square), terminating in square‑bolted timbers forming a 10–20 ft structure
- One “beam” protruding ~2–3 ft above deck; no ship‑like hardware (deck framing, planking, fasteners) observed
- Sidescan data show a much larger, taller structural mass at the opposite un‑dove end of the trench (clueshipwrecks.org)
Interpretation
- Not a shipwreck: The grouping of large square bolts and non‑shipbuilding timber joints strongly suggests industrial debris—likely from construction of the 5‑Mile Crib (constructed 1898–1904) (YouTube)
- The exposed section appears to be one terminal portion of a larger buried crib‑span structure extending further than explored
Historical Context: Cleveland’s Crib #3
- Five‑Mile Crib (Crib #3): Built circa 1898–1904 as an offshore shelter/structural element for Cleveland’s primary water intake tunnel (~5,000–6,600 ft offshore) (allthingsclevelandohio.blogspot.com)
- Water cribs served to house intake shafts and support tunnels supplying Lake Erie water to the city, anchored on massive timber framing under the lakebed (en.wikipedia.org)
Summary & Conclusions
| Feature | Summary |
|---|---|
| Dive Target | Large, mostly buried wooden framed mass |
| Apparent Function | Likely structural or crib construction, not vessel wreck |
| Construction Evidence | Square bolts, large joists, raft‑like form |
| Geographic Fit | Immediately adjacent to Intake Crib #3 site |
| Conclusion | Not a shipwreck—most likely crib‑construction debris |
Recommended Follow-Up Research
- Review Engineering Plans or Construction Logs for Cleveland Intake Cribs (#3 and #5) to cross-reference dimensions, materials, and structural layout.
- Side‑scan & Bathymetric Review: Re‑evaluate the full sonar mosaic from CLUE June 2009 search to map the full buried structure and measure extent beyond the first segment explored.
- Core Sampling or Visual Survey: If permissible, perform targeted ROV or diver visual documentation on the second, taller end of the structure for confirmation of timber specification and joinery methods.
- No Newspaper or Vessel Registry: Unlike shipwrecks, city engineering logs or municipal water‑treatment archives are likely the best sources for verifying identity.
Sources
- CLUE Dive Report for “Crib Wreckage,” June 13, 2009 — detailed description of site findings and structure appearance (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, clueshipwrecks.org)
- All Things Cleveland Ohio: The Cleveland Crib — background on history and construction timeline of Crib #3 (allthingsclevelandohio.blogspot.com)
- Wikipedia: Water crib — general description of offshore crib structures and their purpose in water intake systems (en.wikipedia.org)
Conclusion
The dive findings strongly support that the “Crib Wreckage” is not a maritime wreck, but a surviving fragment of the intake crib structure used by the City of Cleveland in the early 20th century. Rescue of more evidence or engineering archives would finalize this identification.
crib-wreckage 2009-06-13 19:48:00