Dundee

This shipwreck is one of six upon which MAST as placed a mooring buoy.

Located in 68-75 feet of water approximately 13.9 miles North of Cleveland, Ohio. The Dundee is one of the most complete shipwrecks in Lake Erie, according to Carrie Sowden, GLHS/PLESRC archeological director. Carrie provides the following description of the shipwreck today from her diving experiences:

"The Dundee today sits upright in about 68' of water about 14 miles north-northwest of Cleveland. It is one of the most complete shipwrecks in the central basin, which, therefore, makes it an impressive site underwater. The bow is deteriorating, with the port planking having sprung away from the stem. When it was first discovered in the 1970's the bow area was complete, but since that time, the heavy windlass and donkey boiler have fallen to the port side, collapsing most of the upper deck. The few remnants are three deck beams caught under the windlass that are now sticking almost upright. There is a lower deck just aft of the windlass with a small hatch opening, approximately 4' below the main deck. Just aft of the lower deck, the main deck begins. The first of six hatch openings is broken up, but the rest are complete. Much of the main deck is intact with decking missing at the edges. Along the railings are three sets of bit posts, as well as turnbuckles opposite from each of the three masts. The openings to the hold are characterized with combing and iron rings for the hatch covers. Several of the hatch openings have monkey ladders leading into the hold. Just forward of hatch one, on the center line, is the remnants of the foremast hole. Between hatches two and three is the crutch for the foremast or the foremast boom. Between hatches three and four is the main mast hole, with a lot of missing decking. Between hatches four and five is the large iron winch, with two wooden cleats and several iron rings on the deck. Between hatches five and six is the crutch for the main mast or main mast boom. Just aft of the sixth hatch is the remnants of the mizzen mast. This mast was cut down, and about 6 feet still protrudes from the deck. It also includes the entire reinforcing ring at the deck level. Just after the mizzen mast is a long section of combing, perpendicular to the axis of the ship. This combing is longer than the hatches. After this, the entire ship drops away into the hold. The combing is believed to be the front of the footprint of the aft deckhouse. The stern section of this ship is quite broken up, with timbers fallen and scattered throughout the area. There are six deck beams left, as well as the center support for the deck. The entire ship ends in the proud rudder post that sits well above the deck line. The stern is an interesting area and one can see the vertical planking of the transom through the mess of fallen beams. On the starboard side, there is a small brass pipe hidden among the many fallen timbers. Underneath the transom, you can shine your light and see the remnants of the rudder.

The zebra mussels have covered this ship. However, diver anecdotes indicate that there is less coverage now than there has been in the past."