Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ohio
- Type: Steel, single-screw propeller tug
- Year Built: 1903
- Builder: Originally built as the Milwaukee fireboat M.F.D. No. 15
- Dimensions: Length ~71 ft (21.6 m); Beam ~20 ft; Depth 12–13 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Gross tonnage: 112 gt; net tonnage: 61 nt
- Location: Dock at Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie
- Official Number: USCG #208153
- Original Owners: The Great Lakes Towing Company, Cleveland, OH
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel, single-screw propeller tug, originally built as a fireboat and later converted for towing operations.
Description
The tug Ohio was a long-serving vessel that transitioned from a fireboat to a diesel-powered tug. It was notable for its early conversion to diesel power in 1951.
History
Originally built in 1903 as the Milwaukee fireboat M.F.D. No. 15, the tug was purchased and converted by the Great Lakes Towing Company in 1952. It was renamed Ohio around 1973 and served extensively in towing operations until its loss in 1954.
Significant Incidents
- Circumstances: While maneuvering the steamer William F. White in high winds, the tug Ohio was crushed against a pier at Kelley’s Island by the steamer swinging out of control.
- Cause: Collision rather than grounding—mechanical failure due to weather combined with escort maneuvering in strong wind conditions.
- Casualties: None reported. No crew members were lost.
Final Disposition
The tug was crushed beyond repair and subsequently scrapped later in 1954.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The vessel did not sink underwater; it was scrapped post-incident, and there are no underwater remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ohio-uscg-208153″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Ohio highlights the risks associated with harbor towing operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Although not a wreck in the traditional sense, its incident remains a significant case in Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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