Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Protection
  • Former Names: None known
  • Official Number: Not listed
  • Date Built & Launched: 1888
  • Dimensions: 112 feet (34.1 metres) in length
  • Date Lost: November 3, 1923
  • Location: Off Cedar Point, Ohio, Lake Erie
  • Casualties: Six lives lost

Vessel Type

Wooden bulk freight propeller Steamer

Description

The Protection was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven freight Steamer measuring 112 feet (34.1 metres) in length. Designed for bulk cargo transport, she was a modest-sized vessel typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes freighters. Her propulsion system consisted of a steam engine driving a single screw propeller, a common configuration for vessels of her class and era.

History

Constructed in 1888, the Protection served for 35 years on the Great Lakes, primarily engaged in the transportation of bulk goods. While specific details of her operational history are scarce, vessels of her type commonly carried commodities such as coal, grain, and lumber between ports along Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes. Her service life spanned a period of significant industrial growth in the region, during which maritime transport was a critical component of commerce.

Final Disposition

On November 3, 1923, the Protection encountered a severe storm while navigating Lake Erie near Cedar Point, Ohio. The vessel filled with water and sank, resulting in the tragic loss of six crew members. The exact circumstances leading to her sinking are not extensively documented, but the incident underscores the perils faced by Great Lakes shipping during the era, particularly the sudden and violent storms that could arise in the fall months.

Located By & Date Found

As of the available information, the wreck of the Protection has not been located.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding obstructions related to the Protection wreck site.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The sinking of the Protection serves as a somber reminder of the hazards of maritime transport on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. Despite advancements in ship design and weather forecasting, vessels remained vulnerable to the region’s notorious storms. The loss of the Protection and her crew contributes to the rich, albeit tragic, tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.(thievesriver.com)

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: Lake Erie shipwrecks, 1923 maritime disasters, Great Lakes freighters, Cedar Point maritime history
  • Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, Maritime History of Ohio, Early 20th Century Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms:
    • Propeller Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by one or more screw propellers.
    • Bulk Freight: Large quantities of unpackaged cargo such as coal, grain, or ore.
    • Great Lakes Storm: Severe weather events occurring on the Great Lakes, often characterized by high winds and waves, particularly in the fall.(alcheminc.com, thievesriver.com)