Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Pascal P Pratt
- Type: Wooden propeller bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Cleveland, Ohio (details unconfirmed)
- Dimensions: Length ~275 ft (84 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 1,927 Gross Tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 7.3 m / 24 ft
- Location: Gravelly Bay, Lake Erie, near Long Point, Ontario
- Coordinates: 42°33.682′ N, 80°05.429′ W (approx. 3 mi NW of Long Point Lighthouse)
- Official Number: US 150424
- Original Owners: Lakewood Transportation Co., Fairport, OH; later Lake Erie Towing Co., Cleveland
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden propeller bulk freighter
Description
The Pascal P. Pratt was a wooden propeller bulk freighter built in 1888. It was primarily used for towing barges and transporting coal and cargo across the Great Lakes.
History
Built on April 17, 1888, in Cleveland, Ohio, the Pascal P. Pratt initially towed barges, including the Annie M. Ash. In 1895, it grounded in heavy fog at False Detour but was successfully refloated. The vessel underwent major repairs in 1898 and continued its towing missions. In 1899, it was purchased by Lakewood Transportation Co. and later transferred to Lake Erie Towing Co. in 1903. The vessel suffered storm damage in November 1906, which required makeshift repairs. On November 18, 1908, while hauling 2,500 ft of hard coal, the Pratt caught fire off Long Point, leading to its grounding to save the crew. All 18 crew members were rescued without casualties.
Significant Incidents
- 1895: Grounded at False Detour in heavy fog; later refloated successfully.
- 1906: Storm damage near Sandusky, OH; makeshift repairs completed.
- 1908: Caught fire off Long Point while hauling coal; beached to save crew; vessel declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
After grounding near Long Point to save lives, the Pascal P. Pratt burned fully and sank in approximately 24 ft (7 m) of water. Salvage operations recovered machinery and about 600 ft of coal. The wreck site in Gravelly Bay is now a submerged historic wreck commonly visited by recreational divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 24 ft (7 m), making it suitable for beginner divers. Boat access is recommended, as shore diving may be limited. Visibility and conditions in Lake Erie can vary, with seasonal clarity fluctuations. Points of interest include partial remains of the hull, engine components, and scattered coal debris. Divers should be aware of hazards such as sharp timbers and entanglement risks.
Resources & Links
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The wreck of the Pascal P. Pratt provides an accessible and informative dive opportunity, rich in industrial maritime history. Its survival in shallow waters preserves both artifact and story—an enduring testament to the Great Lakes’ shipping legacy.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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