Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Donaldson
- Type: Wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Just inside Cleveland Harbor entrance, Lake Erie
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Donaldson was a wooden schooner-barge, a type of vessel designed to carry bulk freight while being towed by tugboats. It was hollow-bodied and unpowered, typical of its class.
Description
Built in 1866, the Donaldson operated primarily in the Cleveland harbor area. It was used for transporting bulk freight and was typically unmanned during towing operations.
History
The Donaldson encountered a severe storm on August 17, 1913, which led to its sinking. The vessel began to leak heavily while being towed to safety and ultimately sank near the entrance of Cleveland Harbor.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: August 17, 1913
- Weather Conditions: Heavy storm winds likely connected to early fall patterns on Lake Erie
- Incident Synopsis: The Donaldson began to leak heavily in a storm and sank after being towed to safety. The tug could not maintain the tow, leading to the barge foundering.
Final Disposition
No salvage attempts were reported for the Donaldson, and it was not recovered or repaired due to its age and the extent of the damage. The vessel remains abandoned on the harbor bottom.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed to be on the bottom of Lake Erie near the Cleveland Harbor entrance.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”donaldson-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Donaldson serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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