Vessel History Report: LORAIN / CABOT / STEVEN M. SELVICK

Identification & Site Information

  • Original Name: LORAIN
  • Other Names: CABOT, STEVEN M. SELVICK
  • U.S. Registration Number: 212968
  • Type: Oil Screw Vessel
  • Year Built: 1915
  • Builder: Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 68.7 feet (20.9 meters)
    • Beam: 17.0 feet (5.2 meters)
    • Depth: 11.0 feet (3.4 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 74 tons

Vessel Type Description

The LORAIN was an oil screw vessel, powered by a single screw (propeller) driven by an internal combustion engine, a relatively modern propulsion method for 1915. This type of vessel was typically employed for transport, towing, or specialized tasks, reflecting the growing role of motorized vessels on the Great Lakes and other inland waterways during the early 20th century.

History

  • Original Name and Service (1915):
    • Built in Cleveland, Ohio, the LORAIN initially served as a versatile workhorse on the Great Lakes. With its moderate size and oil-powered engine, it was well-suited for carrying cargo or performing towing and transportation tasks in the growing industrial hubs along the lakes.
  • First Renaming: CABOT (1950):
    • In 1950, the vessel was renamed CABOT under continued U.S. registration. This change likely accompanied new ownership or a shift in its operational role.
    • The renaming marked the vessel’s adaptation to the evolving demands of Great Lakes shipping during the mid-20th century.
  • Second Renaming: STEVEN M. SELVICK:
    • At a later date, the vessel was renamed STEVEN M. SELVICK. The new name suggests ownership by Selvick Marine Towing, a company known for operating and restoring workboats for towing, salvage, and transportation services on the Great Lakes.
    • This phase of its career likely involved robust utility roles such as towing barges or assisting in salvage operations, aligning with Selvick Marine Towing’s operational focus.

Final Disposition

Status: The final fate of the vessel is not specified in the available records. It may have been retired, scrapped, or possibly sunk as part of an Artificial Reef project or accidental loss.

Current Location: Unknown.

Significance

The LORAIN, later known as CABOT and STEVEN M. SELVICK, exemplifies the longevity and adaptability of workboats on the Great Lakes. Its multiple renamings reflect its evolving roles and the changes in ownership and purpose that characterize the lives of such utility vessels.

Resources & References

  • Herman Runge List
  • Historical archives on Great Lakes utility vessels and Selvick Marine Towing

Tags – LORAIN CABOT STEVEN M. SELVICK Great Lakes Utility Vessels Oil Screw Ship Workboat History

Conclusion

The journey of the LORAIN, later CABOT, and eventually STEVEN M. SELVICK, highlights the enduring value of utility vessels in the maritime industries of the Great Lakes. Built in 1915, this oil screw vessel transitioned through several roles and owners, showcasing its adaptability and resilience over decades of service. While its ultimate fate remains unclear, the vessel’s legacy as a versatile and reliable workboat is firmly etched in the maritime history of the region.