Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. R. Worswick
- Type: Propeller Steam Tug (Wooden Hull)
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: H.D. Root, Lorain, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length 48 ft (14.6 m); Beam 11 ft (3.4 m); Depth of hold 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 11 gross tons; 6 net tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 7.6 m / 25 ft
- Location: 3 miles east of the piers at Cleveland, Ohio
- Official Number: 75993
- Original Owners: Captain Edward Dahlke, Cleveland, Ohio
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The J. R. Worswick is classified as a Propeller Steam Tug with a wooden hull, designed for harbor operations.
Description
The J. R. Worswick was a small wooden steam tug built in 1878. With a length of 48 feet and a beam of 11 feet, she was primarily used for assisting larger vessels in and out of Cleveland Harbor, towing smaller craft, and supporting harbor construction projects.
History
Built by H.D. Root in Lorain, Ohio, the J. R. Worswick served for 16 years under the ownership of Captain Edward Dahlke. Her operational history included assisting vessels in Cleveland Harbor and towing on short-haul trips.
Significant Incidents
- November 1, 1894: The J. R. Worswick foundered unexpectedly just 3 miles east of Cleveland’s harbor piers. No major storm was reported at the time.
- All three crew members survived by clinging to wreckage until rescued by the tug Penola.
Final Disposition
Despite being in only 25 feet of water, the J. R. Worswick was declared a total loss and removed in 1895. There are no records of her being repaired or returned to service, leaving her final fate uncertain.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was removed in 1895, meaning no remains are expected to exist at the original site. However, pieces of the hull or machinery may still be present nearby.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-r-worswick-us-75993″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the J. R. Worswick highlights the risks faced by small vessels on the Great Lakes and the importance of quick rescue responses in maritime emergencies.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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