Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Custodian
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1919
- Builder: M. M. Davis & Sons in Solomons, Maryland
- Dimensions: Length 126 ft (38.4 m); Beam 29.9 ft (9.1 m); Depth of hold 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 359 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4 m / 12 ft
- Location: Near West Sister Island, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: U.S. Shipping Board; later Pringle Barge Line
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The CUSTODIAN was a robust wooden propeller tugboat, purpose-built for towing large barges and vessels, including coal-laden cargoes on the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1919 by M. M. Davis & Sons in Solomons, Maryland, the tug measured:
- Length: 126 feet (38.4 meters)
- Beam: 29.9 feet (9.1 meters)
- Depth: 13.7 feet (4.2 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 359 tons
- Net Tonnage: 199 tons
The vessel was equipped with a powerful propulsion system to handle heavy towing tasks in both calm and challenging conditions, reflecting its utility for the coal and industrial transport industries.
Description
DESCRIPTION
The CUSTODIAN was completely destroyed by the fire and sank in 12 feet (4 meters) of water near West Sister Island in Lake Erie. The shallow depth, combined with the intensity of the fire, left the wreck heavily fragmented and deteriorated.
History
HISTORY
Construction and Early Service
Built in 1919 for the U.S. Shipping Board, the CUSTODIAN was one of many vessels constructed to bolster the nation’s maritime capabilities during and after World War I.
In 1920, the tug was sold to the Pringle Barge Line, a Cleveland-based company specializing in maritime towing operations on the Great Lakes.
Incident on June 23, 1925
On a routine voyage near West Sister Island, the CUSTODIAN caught fire, quickly engulfing the vessel in flames. Despite the rapid spread of the fire, all 14 crew members aboard successfully escaped, a rare and fortunate outcome for such incidents. The vessel was a total loss, with no salvageable parts or cargo remaining after the fire.
Significant Incidents
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS
- June 23, 1925: Caught fire near West Sister Island; all 14 crew members escaped.
Final Disposition
FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck site was noted and documented immediately following the incident in 1925. It is well-known to local historians and divers but has not been the subject of significant exploration due to its poor condition and shallow depth.
Current Condition & Accessibility
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck lies in shallow waters at a depth of 12 feet, making it accessible to divers and snorkelers. The fire-damaged remains are heavily fragmented, with minimal identifiable structure. Visibility and water conditions can vary, influencing the site’s appeal as a diving destination.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”custodian” title=”References & Links”]
CONCLUSION
The CUSTODIAN‘s fiery demise on June 23, 1925, underscores the risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes. While the loss of the vessel was a significant blow to its owners and operators, the survival of all 14 crew members remains a notable aspect of the tragedy. Today, the wreck serves as a historical marker of the era’s maritime commerce and the ever-present dangers of fire at sea.
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
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The CUSTODIAN was a robust wooden propeller tugboat, purpose-built for towing large barges and vessels, including coal-laden cargoes on the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1919 by M. M. Davis & Sons in Solomons, Maryland, the tug measured:
- Length: 126 feet (38.4 meters)
- Beam: 29.9 feet (9.1 meters)
- Depth: 13.7 feet (4.2 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 359 tons
- Net Tonnage: 199 tons
The vessel was equipped with a powerful propulsion system to handle heavy towing tasks in both calm and challenging conditions, reflecting its utility for the coal and industrial transport industries.
HISTORY
Construction and Early Service
Built in 1919 for the U.S. Shipping Board, the CUSTODIAN was one of many vessels constructed to bolster the nation’s maritime capabilities during and after World War I.
In 1920, the tug was sold to the Pringle Barge Line, a Cleveland-based company specializing in maritime towing operations on the Great Lakes.
Incident on June 23, 1925
On a routine voyage near West Sister Island, the CUSTODIAN caught fire, quickly engulfing the vessel in flames.
Despite the rapid spread of the fire, all 14 crew members aboard successfully escaped, a rare and fortunate outcome for such incidents.
The vessel was a total loss, with no salvageable parts or cargo remaining after the fire.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The CUSTODIAN was completely destroyed by the fire and sank in 12 feet (4 meters) of water near West Sister Island in Lake Erie. The shallow depth, combined with the intensity of the fire, left the wreck heavily fragmented and deteriorated.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically reference the wreck site, though its location is noted in historical maritime records. Mariners should exercise caution near West Sister Island, as submerged wreckage can pose hazards to navigation.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck site was noted and documented immediately following the incident in 1925. It is well-known to local historians and divers but has not been the subject of significant exploration due to its poor condition and shallow depth.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck lies in shallow waters at a depth of 12 feet, making it accessible to divers and snorkelers.
The fire-damaged remains are heavily fragmented, with minimal identifiable structure.
Visibility and water conditions can vary, influencing the site’s appeal as a diving destination.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks Archives
CONCLUSION
The CUSTODIAN‘s fiery demise on June 23, 1925, underscores the risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes. While the loss of the vessel was a significant blow to its owners and operators, the survival of all 14 crew members remains a notable aspect of the tragedy. Today, the wreck serves as a historical marker of the era’s maritime commerce and the ever-present dangers of fire at sea.
TAGS:
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Tugboat #Custodian #FireAtSea #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration
custodiantype-17 1925-06-23 07:51:00