Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Lorain
• Type: Oil Screw Vessel
• Year Built: 1915
• Builder: Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 68.7 ft (20.9 m); Beam: 17.0 ft (5.2 m); Depth of hold: 11.0 ft (3.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 74 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 3.4 m / 11 ft
• Location:
• Official Number: 212968
• Original Owners: Selvick Marine Towing

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The LORAIN was an oil screw vessel, powered by a single screw (propeller) driven by an internal combustion engine, a relatively modern propulsion method for 1915. This type of vessel was typically employed for transport, towing, or specialized tasks, reflecting the growing role of motorized vessels on the Great Lakes and other inland waterways during the early 20th century.

Description

The LORAIN, later known as CABOT and STEVEN M. SELVICK, exemplifies the longevity and adaptability of workboats on the Great Lakes. Its multiple renamings reflect its evolving roles and the changes in ownership and purpose that characterize the lives of such utility vessels.

History

• Original Name and Service (1915):
  • Built in Cleveland, Ohio, the LORAIN initially served as a versatile workhorse on the Great Lakes. With its moderate size and oil-powered engine, it was well-suited for carrying cargo or performing towing and transportation tasks in the growing industrial hubs along the lakes.
• First Renaming: CABOT (1950):
  • In 1950, the vessel was renamed CABOT under continued U.S. registration. This change likely accompanied new ownership or a shift in its operational role.
  • The renaming marked the vessel’s adaptation to the evolving demands of Great Lakes shipping during the mid-20th century.
• Second Renaming: STEVEN M. SELVICK:
  • At a later date, the vessel was renamed STEVEN M. SELVICK. The new name suggests ownership by Selvick Marine Towing, a company known for operating and restoring workboats for towing, salvage, and transportation services on the Great Lakes.
  • This phase of its career likely involved robust utility roles such as towing barges or assisting in salvage operations, aligning with Selvick Marine Towing’s operational focus.

Significant Incidents

Status: The final fate of the vessel is not specified in the available records. It may have been retired, scrapped, or possibly sunk as part of an artificial reef project or accidental loss.

Current Location: Unknown.

Final Disposition

The journey of the LORAIN, later CABOT, and eventually STEVEN M. SELVICK, highlights the enduring value of utility vessels in the maritime industries of the Great Lakes. Built in 1915, this oil screw vessel transitioned through several roles and owners, showcasing its adaptability and resilience over decades of service. While its ultimate fate remains unclear, the vessel’s legacy as a versatile and reliable workboat is firmly etched in the maritime history of the region.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility for divers is not specified. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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The LORAIN, later known as CABOT and STEVEN M. SELVICK, serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of preserving such vessels for future generations.