Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Howard S. Gerkin
- Type: Sand Sucker
- Year Built: 1910
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: 241 ft (73.5 m); Width: 41 ft (12.5 m); Depth: 14 ft (4.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 21.3 m / 70 ft
- Location: Lake Erie, Pennsylvania
- Coordinates: 42° 16.372′ N, 80° 03.315′ W
- Official Number: C 130272, US 140953, US 225429
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Howard S. Gerkin is classified as a sand sucker, a vessel specifically designed for dredging sand and gravel from lakebeds.
Description
The Howard S. Gerkin lies upside-down in the mud at a depth of 70 ft. While most of the wreck sits above the lakebed, minimal artifacts are present. Key features include:
- Two rudders and propellers visible on site.
- A few dug-out areas allow divers to penetrate portions of the wreck.
History
The Howard S. Gerkin began its service in 1910 as a sand sucker, a vessel designed for extracting and transporting sand and gravel from lakebeds. Operating under different names and registries, the ship played a significant role in Great Lakes industry. By 1926, the vessel met its fate, sinking in Lake Erie. Despite the sinking, its robust steel hull and key components remain largely intact, making it a notable wreck for divers and historians.
Significant Incidents
- Sank on March 14, 1926, in Lake Erie.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Howard S. Gerkin remains submerged in Lake Erie, serving as a site for recreational diving and historical exploration.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is confirmed and accessible for diving, with conditions suitable for intermediate divers. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to leave the site better than they found it.
Resources & Links
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As you explore the Howard S. Gerkin, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles and take only memories, contributing to the preservation of this underwater heritage.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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