S.S. Coe (1868)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: S.S. Coe
• Type: Wooden screw tug
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder: Cleveland, OH (likely by local tug builders)
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Cleveland, OH

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The S.S. Coe was a wooden screw tug, part of Cleveland’s early steam harbor fleet, primarily engaged in assisting other vessels at the harbor entrance, including towing and salvage operations.

Description

Built in 1868 in Cleveland, the S.S. Coe served as a vital component of the harbor’s operational capabilities. The vessel was designed to assist in various maritime tasks, showcasing the engineering of wooden-hulled tugs of the era.

History

The S.S. Coe was involved in numerous towing and salvage operations, often working alongside the tug F.W. Notter. Its service history reflects the bustling maritime activities of 19th-century Cleveland.

Significant Incidents

• Date: April 14, 1876
• Event: The tug burned out and sank at her dock in Cleveland following a fire of undetermined origin.
• Outcome: Declared a total loss, but salvaged on May 1, sustaining approximately $13,000 in damage (roughly equivalent to $350k today).
• Despite repairs reportedly being feasible, the vessel was not returned to service, likely retired afterward.

Final Disposition

The vessel sank in shallow harbor waters and was subsequently refloated. The post-salvage fate is unclear; it was likely dismantled or sold off, as there is no record of further operation. The Coe’s hull may still lie in parts in Cleveland harbor if dismantling wasn’t complete.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the S.S. Coe is uncertain. While the vessel was salvaged, remnants may still exist beneath harbor sediments, offering potential for underwater exploration and study.

Resources & Links

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The S.S. Coe, built in Cleveland in 1868, burnt and sank at her dock on April 14, 1876, during a dockside fire. Despite being declared a total loss, she was refloated on May 1, with around $13,000 in damage. Though she evidently didn’t sail again, her remains may persist beneath harbor sediments, offering a unique case study in 19th-century harbor vessel construction and salvage practices.