Unidentified Buried Wooden Tug – Lake Erie Tug Shipwreck (1907)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unidentified Buried Wooden Tug
• Type: Tugboat
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 12.19 m / 40 ft
• Location: West of Cleveland, Ohio

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The vessel is identified as a small wooden tug, likely scuttled, with no visible mussel growth and well-preserved timbers found in sand and silt.

Description

The wreck is mostly buried, with only the stern and bow visible. The stern features a rounded fantail but is missing the rudderpost. The bow stem and starboard side are intact but heavily collapsed. An anchor at the stern is hooked into the bottom, and there is an absence of machinery, rudder, or identifiable equipment.

History

Historical candidates for the vessel’s identity include the Kate White, which sank on August 18, 1907, and the L B Johnson, which sank on May 2, 1907. Both were wooden steam tugs lost near Fairport, Ohio. The dive site is located approximately 20 miles from Cleveland, within the proximity of these historical losses.

Significant Incidents

• Kate White: Wooden steam propeller tug sank August 18, 1907, at Fairport, OH.
• L B Johnson: Wooden steam tug sprung a leak on May 2, 1907; sank off Fairport, crew on raft.
• General Houston: Wooden two-masted schooner scow wrecked near Fairport on June 4, 1859.
• Unknown Tug (117th Street): Listed in wreck map as ‘Tug – unknown origin’ near Cleveland.

Final Disposition

The identity of the buried tug remains tentative but credible, with strong archival leads to pursue. The physical survey indicates it was likely stripped and scuttled.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is located at a depth of approximately 40 feet and is mostly buried, making it accessible for divers with intermediate skills. The visibility and conditions may vary.

Resources & Links

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Further research is recommended to explore historical records and conduct additional surveys to confirm the identity of the vessel and its historical significance.