Researchers Identify Lake Erie Shipwreck Tied to 2024 Dive Tragedy

The wreck is a stone-hauling vessel from the 1860s named the Clough.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Maritime history researchers have identified a Lake Erie shipwreck that was the site of a fatal 2024 dive as a stone-hauling vessel that sank in the 1860s named the Clough. The National Museum of the Great Lakes and Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE) announced the discovery on February 18, 2026.

Why it matters

This discovery provides important historical context around a tragic diving incident in 2024 and sheds light on the maritime history of the Great Lakes region.

The details

The Clough was a stone-hauling vessel that sank in the 1860s in Lake Erie. Researchers from the National Museum of the Great Lakes and CLUE used advanced underwater exploration techniques to identify and confirm the wreck as the site of the 2024 diving fatality.

  • The Clough sank in the 1860s.
  • A fatal diving incident occurred at the wreck site in 2024.

The players

National Museum of the Great Lakes

A museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Great Lakes region.

Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE)

A group of maritime history researchers and underwater explorers based in Cleveland, Ohio.

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The takeaway

This discovery sheds light on a tragic diving incident and provides important historical context about the maritime history of the Great Lakes region.