Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John Gregory
- Type: Wooden Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: John Gregory, Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions: 80 ft (24.4 m) length; beam and depth not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Just outside the west breakwater, mouth of the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, Ohio
- Official Number: 76025
- Original Owners: Chicago, Illinois
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The John Gregory was a wooden steam tug, a type of vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for towing and assisting larger ships, as well as for general harbor duties.Alchem Incorporated
Description
Built in 1878 by renowned shipbuilder John Gregory in Chicago, the tug measured 80 feet (24.4 meters) in length. Specific details regarding its beam, depth, and tonnage are not provided in the available sources. As a steam-powered tug, it was designed for durability and strength to perform towing operations in various weather conditions on the Great Lakes.
History
On November 13, 1904, the John Gregory was towing a lighter and had been lying outside the west breakwater of Cleveland since the afternoon of November 12, attempting to ride out a severe gale. When the storm intensified, reaching wind velocities of up to 60 miles per hour, the tug attempted to enter the harbor. During this maneuver, it got caught in the trough of the sea and was overwhelmed, capsizing and sinking near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Of the four crew members on board, one perished, while the others were rescued by the life-saving crew after a challenging battle with the waves.Chicagology
Significant Incidents
- November 13, 1904: The John Gregory capsized during a severe storm while attempting to enter Cleveland harbor, resulting in the loss of one crew member.
Final Disposition
The John Gregory was declared a total loss following the incident. There is no information available regarding salvage operations or the recovery of the vessel.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Specific details about the discovery or exploration of the John Gregory’s wreck site are not provided in the available sources.
Resources & Links
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The sinking of the John Gregory in 1904 highlights the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. The incident underscores the challenges of navigating and operating in the face of sudden and intense storms, and it serves as a somber reminder of the risks undertaken by those who worked these waters.Chicagology
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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