Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Dupont Salvage Scow (DSS)

•Location: N 44° 12.324’ W 76° 32.331’, Lake Ontario, near the Dupont Plant

•Depth: 80 feet (26 meters)

•Orientation: Facing east in the channel

•Access: Boat dive only (shore access restricted)

Vessel Type Description

The Dupont Salvage Scow (DSS) was a purpose-built industrial vessel used in salvage operations. Scows like the DSS were designed for heavy-duty work, featuring robust structural elements to stabilize the vessel and accommodate salvaged materials. The large square postsused for stabilization and its open cargo hold are key features that defined its role in salvaging operations.

History

The DSS likely operated during the early to mid-20th century, a period when industrial salvage and waterway maintenance were critical to the region’s economy.

Final Disposition

•The DSS was intentionally sunk as part of industrial disposal practices, a common method for retiring obsolete or decommissioned vessels during the era.

•The wreck now serves as a historical artifact, highlighting the industrial and maritime heritage of Lake Ontario.

Exploration Highlights

•The wreck was first extensively explored in 2006 by the Great Lakes Underwater Explorers (GLUE), who documented its condition through photos and videos.

•In 2007, a line was installed to facilitate shore-based access for divers. However, access was later restricted due to policies enforced by the Dupont company, making the site accessible exclusively via boat.

Key Features

1.Cargo Hold:

•A prominent, open cargo area that reflects the vessel’s operational role in transporting salvaged materials.

2.Deck Structure:

•Approximately half of the Deck remains intact, offering insight into the vessel’s construction and operational layout.

3.Large Square Posts:

•These distinctive upright posts were likely used for stabilization during salvage operations, making them a rare architectural feature.

4.Debris Field:

•Includes remnants such as coiled cables, industrial hardware, and possibly other equipment related to the vessel’s work.

Diving Conditions & Experience

•Depth: The wreck lies at 80 feet (26 meters), making it suitable for advanced divers.

•Environment: Resting in a channel, the site may experience currents, adding to the challenge of exploration.

•Accessibility: Exclusively accessible by boat due to shore access restrictions.

•Visibility: Variable, depending on conditions, but the cold waters of Lake Ontario help preserve the wreck.

Conservation & Access Restrictions

•Divers must obtain authorization from the Dupont company to dive the site, as it lies near their property.

•Adherence to legal and safety guidelines is crucial to preserve the wreck and maintain diver safety.

•The DSS is a reminder of industrial practices and highlights the need to respect underwater cultural heritage.

Significance

The Dupont Salvage Scow is an important piece of Lake Ontario’s industrial history. Its unique design and well-preserved state offer valuable insights into the role of salvage vessels in regional development and maritime operations. The wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a challenging dive site, providing a connection to the industrial past of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Underwater Explorers (GLUE): Exploration records and documentation.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context for industrial vessels like the DSS.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Ontario Heritage Act: Guidelines for preserving underwater cultural sites.

Keywords

Dupont Salvage Scow, DSS, Industrial Vessel, Salvage Operations, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Boat Dive, Advanced Diving Site.

Conclusion

The Dupont Salvage Scow (DSS) provides a rare glimpse into the industrial and Maritime History of the Great Lakes. With its unique features, including stabilization posts and a preserved cargo hold, the wreck tells the story of the critical role salvage operations played in maintaining waterways. Though access is restricted, the site remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the region’s industrial past, offering a rewarding dive experience for those with proper permissions.