“East Breakwall Barge” (Cleveland, Ohio – Discovered 2009)

Identification & Site Information

  • Official Wreck Number: Not assigned.
  • Wreck Location: Near Cleveland’s eastern breakwall, outside the breakwall structure in Lake Erie.
  • Type of Ship at Loss: Wooden Dump Barge (tentative identification).
  • Cargo on Ship at Loss: Small stones (possibly for breakwall construction).
  • Captain at Loss: Unknown.
  • Discovery: Found by Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE) on 16 August 2009.

Wreck Description

The wreck is a wooden Barge that appears to have been flattened to prevent Navigation Hazards, leaving only the bottom portions and a few structural elements intact. Key features include:

Dimensions: Approximately 31.39 metres (103 feet) in length and 7.92 metres (26 feet) in beam. Orientation: The bow points northwest.

Bow Structure:

  • A 3-4 foot high structure on the port side suggests heavy reinforcement in the bow area.
  • A large triangular metal plate with a molded line chock suggests the vessel was towed, supporting its identification as a Barge.
  • Metal spikes and a beefy structure along the bow’s centerline indicate additional strengthening in this area.

Hull Features:

  • The Hull construction is exceptionally strong, with longitudinal stiffeners (stringers) on both sides of the Keelson.
  • Frames are closely spaced at 2-foot intervals, showcasing the Barge’s robust design for carrying heavy cargo.
  • The Keelson is U-shaped, with an extra sister Keelson on the starboard side, providing asymmetrical reinforcement.

Center Slot Feature:

  • A 22-foot-long center slot, located 40 feet aft of the bow, is irregular and broken. While initially thought to be a Centerboard box, its narrow dimensions (6-inch width, 3-inch thick walls) and small posts suggest a different, unknown purpose.

Stern Features:

  • The Stern is broken and poorly defined, appearing to have been square-shaped before collapsing.
  • A debris field of wooden pieces and small stones trails behind the Stern, indicating a gradual disintegration process.

Cargo and Surrounding Debris:

• Small stones are scattered within the wreck and nearby, hinting that the cargo was related to breakwall construction.

• Additional debris includes small metal pipes, flanges, and unidentified components, possibly related to the Barge’s operation.

Historical Context and Hypothesis

The wreck likely represents a wooden dump Barge used in Cleveland’s harbour improvement projects, particularly breakwall construction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Similar barges were common for hauling stone, gravel, or debris to repair or expand breakwalls and harbor infrastructure.

  • The presence of robust structural reinforcements aligns with the vessel’s probable purpose of carrying heavy loads of stone.
  • The triangular line chock at the bow indicates it was towed, as dump barges often lacked propulsion and relied on tugs for movement.
  • The center slot and sister Keelson may have been design adaptations for stability or cargo-specific needs.

The scattered debris suggests the wreck deteriorated naturally over time after being flattened for navigational safety, a common practice for derelict vessels.

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: Unknown. The Barge’s design and construction style suggest it sank in the late 19th or early 20th century.
  • Cause of Sinking: Likely accidental or deliberate abandonment during or after breakwall work.
  • Cargo: Small stones used in harbor construction.

Discovery and Survey (2009)

The wreck was discovered by David VanZandt and Kevin Magee of the Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE) on August 16, 2009. Initial exploration and documentation occurred on August 24, 2009 under excellent diving conditions, with warm temperatures (77-78°F / 25°C) and exceptional Visibility (10-15 feet at depth).

Dave VanZandt performed an exploratory dive upon discovery and later returned with Kevin Magee to document the wreck. Measurements, sketches, and photographs were taken during the survey.

Significance

The “East Breakwall Barge” is a substantial and well-preserved example of a workhorse vessel that contributed to Cleveland’s harbor development. Its robust design and unique structural features provide valuable insight into the construction and operation of dump barges in the Great Lakes region.

  • The Barge’s proximity to the Cleveland breakwall emphasizes its likely role in harbor improvement projects.
  • Ongoing research by CLUE aims to uncover its identity and more details about its operational history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

  • Diving Hazards: The wreck lies near the breakwall, requiring caution due to potential boat traffic in the area.
  • Site Condition: Flattened, but with key structural features and debris intact. Excellent Visibility makes it a promising site for continued exploration.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The “East Breakwall Barge” is a fascinating piece of Cleveland’s maritime history, reflecting the industrial and infrastructural efforts of the Great Lakes region. Its robust design and unusual features make it a valuable site for archaeological study and a key piece in understanding the evolution of breakwall construction and harbor maintenance.