The Wreck Today: The Sheldon lies scattered on a rocky bottom in 20 feet of water.  Her huge propeller angles off to the starboard side of the wreck.  Unfortunately two of the blades have come off (some say by ice, others say the blades were cut by divers).  The small capstan that used to lay 12 kicks south of the eastern end of the keel has been moved next to the propeller.  A large capstan lies several hundred feet to the east of the keel section.  The site has abundant metal and lots of bass.  We call these “attack bass” as they are very protective of their eggs during spawning season.  Slightly to the northeast is a large section of the vessel’s side.  To the southeast there is additional wreckage.  Her boiler is on shore to the west of the wreck site.
CAUTION:  This wreck lies directly in the path between the power plant at Avon Lake and Lorain Harbor.  As a result, there is often boat traffic in the area.  A dive flag is absolutely required!
Sarah E. Sheldon
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Additional information on the Sarah E. Sheldon is on page 120 of Erie Wrecks West.
Location: ˝ mile off Sheffield Lake, Ohio
Coordinates: LORAN:  43713.8   57268.6    
                       GPS:  41 29.741     82 06.678
Lies: bow east                                 Depth: 20 feet
Type: propeller                               Cargo: coal
Official #: 115053
Power: steeple compound engine
Owner(s) M.A. Bradley, Cleveland, Ohio
Built: 1872 at Lorain, Ohio by Quelos & Peck
Dimensions: 184’ 1”  x  32’4”  x  13’8”Tonnage:693.42 gross  517.23 net
Date of Loss: Friday, October 20, 1905
Cause of Loss: grounded in storm