Cleveco (s.o. & Co. #85, S.T. Co. No. 85, Scocony 85, Gotham 85 – Lake Erie Schooner Shipwreck (1942)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: CLEVECO
• Type: Steel Tanker Barge (formerly Schooner-Barge)
• Year Built: 1913
• Builder: American Shipbuilding, Lorain, Ohio
• Dimensions: 250 ft (76.2 m); Beam: 43 ft (13.1 m); Depth of hold: 25 ft (7.6 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 2,441 tons; Net: 2,042 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 24 m / 78 ft
• Location: Cleveland, Ohio, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 41° 47.468′ N, 81° 36.006′ W
• Official Number: US 211035
• Original Owners: Standard Oil Company and various others
• Number of Masts: N/A

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The CLEVECO was a steel tanker barge designed for the bulk transportation of oil. Originally built as a schooner-barge, it underwent conversions to meet the growing demands for petroleum transport in the early 20th century. By 1942, the CLEVECO was operating as a tanker barge, towed by tugs across the Great Lakes.

Description

The CLEVECO was constructed in 1913 by American Shipbuilding in Lorain, Ohio, for the Standard Oil Company. Over its operational life, it served various owners and underwent multiple name changes, reflecting its evolving role in the shipping industry.

History

By 1942, the CLEVECO was operated as a tanker barge, carrying large quantities of oil between ports on the Great Lakes. On December 2, 1942, it was being towed by the tug ADMIRAL from Toledo to Cleveland, laden with approximately one million gallons of fuel oil. Both vessels encountered one of the worst storms of the season, with blinding snow, gale-force winds, and waves as high as 18 feet.

Significant Incidents

Key Events:

• Separation from Tug: During the early hours of December 2, 1942, the tow line between the CLEVECO and the tug ADMIRAL angled sharply downward, indicating that the tug had sunk. The crew of the CLEVECO, unaware of their exact position, radioed for help but failed to provide clear coordinates.
• Coast Guard Assistance: The Coast Guard Cutter OSSIPEE responded to the distress call. Initially, the CLEVECO’s crew declined assistance, believing the barge would ride out the storm. However, as conditions worsened, the crew requested evacuation. Tragically, the OSSIPEE was unable to relocate the CLEVECO due to poor visibility and the worsening storm.
• Sinking: The CLEVECO sank shortly thereafter, with the loss of all 18 crew members. The barge was listed among U.S. World War II war losses due to its critical cargo of fuel oil.

Final Disposition

The CLEVECO’s wreck was relocated in 1962 and now rests in 71 feet of water, approximately 16.8 miles from the Cleveland East Entrance Light in Lake Erie. The wreck is in relatively shallow water, though its exact condition is unknown due to potential disturbance from salvage attempts or natural deterioration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the CLEVECO wreck site. However, the wreck is part of the maritime history of Lake Erie and remains a point of interest for divers and researchers.

Resources & Links

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The CLEVECO’s tragic loss during a violent storm in December 1942 underscores the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during winter. The vessel’s story is a poignant reminder of the human and economic costs of Great Lakes shipping and the harsh realities faced by those who worked these waters. As part of the U.S. World War II war losses, the CLEVECO’s sinking also highlights the critical role of the Great Lakes in supporting the nation’s wartime infrastructure. The wreck serves as a lasting testament to the risks undertaken by mariners and the powerful forces of nature that define the Great Lakes.