Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John B. Griffin
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Carroll Brothers, Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: 57 ft × 15 ft × 7 ft; 21 gross tons, 14 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 21 gross tons, 14 net tons
- Location: 2 miles off Lakewood, Ohio, on Lake Erie
- Official Number: 75635
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John B. Griffin was classified as a wooden propeller tug, designed for towing and assisting larger vessels in navigation.
Description
The John B. Griffin was built in 1874 by Carroll Brothers in Buffalo, New York. It measured 57 feet in length, 15 feet in beam, and had a depth of 7 feet. The vessel had a registered tonnage of 21 gross tons and 14 net tons.
History
The John B. Griffin served primarily in the Lake Erie region, engaging in towing operations and assisting other vessels. Its operational history reflects the typical duties of a tugboat during the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- Event: Caught fire while underway.
- Actions Taken: Quickly turned toward shore under command.
- Outcome: Burned at approximately 3:38 PM, then sank.
- Crew/Casualties: No mention of crew loss; disaster records show “none” for casualties.
Final Disposition
The John B. Griffin sank after catching fire on July 12, 1892, while approximately 2 miles off Lakewood, Ohio. Despite efforts to reach shore, the vessel was lost, but fortunately, all crew members survived the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John B. Griffin remains submerged in Lake Erie. The current condition of the wreck is not well-documented, and accessibility for divers may vary.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-b-griffin-us-75635″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the John B. Griffin serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by maritime vessels in the late 19th century. Its loss highlights the importance of safety measures and the resilience of its crew during a maritime disaster.
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.
(Tug, Official No. 75635; built 1874, lost July 12, 1892)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Official Number: 75635
- Type: Wooden propeller tug
- Built: 1874 by Carroll Brothers, Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: 57 ft × 15 ft × 7 ft; 21 gross tons, 14 net tons
- Loss Date: July 12, 1892
- Location: 2 miles off Lakewood, Ohio, on Lake Erie (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Incident Overview
- Event: Caught fire while underway
- Actions Taken: Quickly turned toward shore under command
- Outcome: Burned at approximately 3:38 PM (as per shipwreck log “G”), then sank (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Crew/Casualties: No mention of crew loss; disaster records show “none” for casualties (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary
The John B. Griffin was a late 19th-century wooden tug built in Buffalo. On July 12, 1892, while operating on Lake Erie near Lakewood, OH, she caught fire mid-lake. Her crew turned the burning tug toward shore, but despite efforts, she burned and sank. No crew were lost in the incident.
Recommended Research Avenues
| Topic | Purpose | Suggested Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Exact fire timeline & cause | Detail when/why it ignited | Cleveland and Lakewood newspapers (July 1892) |
| Crew names & actions | Documented seafaring response | HCGL crew logs; ship’s log |
| Salvage effort & final wreck location | Where and how she sank | U.S. Lifesaving Service reports; local harbor records |
| Insurance records | Insight into valuation and replacement | Marine insurance archives |
| Photographs or registry entries | Visual and technical confirmation | Buffalo shipyard archives; maritime museums |