Lakewood Tug Wreck – Lake Erie Tug Shipwreck (1980)

Explore the Lakewood Tug Wreck, a late 19th-century tugboat located in Lake Erie, known for its icebreaking capabilities and unique construction features.

needs_location 0 sources on file
WaterbodyLake Erie
Loss year1980
Members get all verified data, linked documents, source bibliography, gallery, and the AI research assistant. Join Shotline →

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Lakewood Tug
  • Type: Tugboat
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 90 ft ±5 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 13.7 m / 45 ft
  • Location: Off Lakewood, OH near '117th Street Wreck'

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Tugboat, likely built in the late 19th century, designed for icebreaking and harbor towing.

Description

The Lakewood Tug Wreck measures approximately 90 ft in length with a wooden hull. The bow is 8 ft tall and clad in metal icebreaking sheathing, while the stern is raked and tapered, designed for screw and rudder placement.

History

The tugboat served primarily in icebreaking and harbor towing roles. Its operational history is not fully documented, but it is believed to have been scuttled or stripped post-salvage.

Significant Incidents

  • Thunderstorm during dive caused visibility to drop from 5-8 ft to 3 ft.
  • Anchor drift of approximately 0.33 miles noted during the dive.

Final Disposition

The wreck is likely scuttled or stripped following salvage operations. The boiler remains are present, but the engine and fittings are missing, indicating significant salvage activity.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is intact but has been salvaged and is tilted. Diver impact is noted with netting at the bow and signs of prior visitation.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”lakewood-tug-wreck” title=”References & Links”]

Divers interested in historical shipwrecks will find the Lakewood Tug Wreck a fascinating site, showcasing unique construction traits and the impact of salvage operations.

🔒

Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

Join Shotline to read more →