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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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