Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

CSU Wreck

Explore the CSU Wreck, a mysterious submerged structure in Lake Erie, with intriguing artifacts and a unique construction style.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: CSU Wreck
  • Type: Wreck
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 92 ft (28 m); Unknown; Unknown
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 13.7 m / 45 ft
  • Location: Approx. off Cleveland State University, Lake Erie

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type (Hypothesis): Possibly a small lake freighter or barge from the 19th century.

Description

Wreck Description:

  • Measured Length: 92 ft ±10 ft (broken, undefined bow/stern)
  • Construction Style: Double-layered wooden planking sandwiching ribs
  • Fastening: Metal spikes
  • Structure Condition:
    • Collapsed decking on west side
    • One beam side completely buried/missing
    • Burned wood observed at south end

History

Location & Conditions:

  • Coordinates: Approx. off Cleveland State University, Lake Erie
  • Depth: 45 ft (13.7 m)
  • Visibility: 5′-8′
  • Water Temp: 55-56 °F (13 °C)
  • Surface Current: Moderate westward

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • Wreck occurred on July 24, 1980.

Final Disposition

Current Status: Unidentified; remains largely intact but broken and sediment-covered.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Preservation State: Heavy burial and degradation; excavation required for further identification.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”csu-wreck” title=”References & Links”]

The CSU Wreck presents a unique opportunity for divers to explore a submerged structure with historical significance and various artifacts, while also highlighting the challenges of underwater archaeology.

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.

Cleveland State University Wreck — Preliminary Field Report (CLUE Dive: May 28, 2005)

Location & Conditions

  • Coordinates: Approx. off Cleveland State University, Lake Erie
  • Depth: 45 ft (13.7 m)
  • Visibility: 5’–8′
  • Water Temp: 55–56 °F (13 °C)
  • Surface Current: Moderate westward

Wreck Description

  • Measured Length: 92 ft ±10 ft (broken, undefined bow/stern)
  • Construction Style: Double-layered wooden planking sandwiching ribs
  • Fastening: Metal spikes
  • Structure Condition:
    • Collapsed decking on west side
    • One beam side completely buried/missing
    • Burned wood observed at south end

Artifacts & Features

  • Brown ceramic jug (unmarked)
  • Red bricks (unmarked)
  • Small machinery part near north end (possible winch or gear)
  • Additional crockery fragment

Analysis

  • Vessel Type (Hypothesis): Possibly a small lake freighter or barge from the 19th century
  • Notable Features: Double-planked hull, small machinery element, fire evidence
  • Preservation State: Heavy burial and degradation; excavation required for further ID
  • Current Status: Unidentified; remains largely intact but broken and sediment-covered
csu-wreck 1980-07-24 18:51:00