3D model by Sonarguy.com

SHIPWRECK REPORT: Tekakwitha

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Tekakwitha
• Type: Tugboat
• Location: Great Lakes (specific coordinates not disclosed)
• Date of Discovery: July 22, 2024
• Depth: Deep water (specific depth not disclosed, but significant)
• Condition: Incredibly well-preserved

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Tekakwitha was a Tugboat, designed for robust performance in towing and maneuvering other vessels. Tugboats like the Tekakwithaplayed a crucial role in the bustling maritime trade of the Great Lakes, ensuring safe navigation for larger vessels through challenging waters.

HISTORY

The Tekakwitha bears a name rooted in Iroquois tradition, translating to phrases such as “One who places things in order”, “To put all into place”, and “She who bumps into things.” These meanings symbolize the resilience and determination embodied by the vessel and its operators.

While details of the Tugboat’s operational history remain limited, the Tekakwitha is a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime heritage, reflective of the region’s industrial and cultural development.

DISCOVERY TIMELINE

• July 2, 2024: A shipwreck hunting team identified a promising target beneath the Great Lakes but was thwarted by strong currents and deep waters during an initial ROV exploration.
• July 2-22, 2024: Adverse weather conditions delayed further exploration efforts for nearly three weeks.
• July 22, 2024: With improved weather and revised techniques, the team made multiple attempts to approach the site. On their third attempt, they successfully reached the wreck, confirming its identity as the Tekakwitha.

The name “Tekakwitha” was clearly visible on the pilot house, a rare and remarkable detail for a wreck of this age.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Tekakwitha lies at a significant depth, preserved in near-pristine condition. Its untouched state offers an extraordinary glimpse into its era, presenting a valuable opportunity for historical research and underwater archaeology.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The wreck is intact and exceptionally well-preserved, making it a rare example of a Great Lakes Tugboat in such a state.

•Accessibility: The depth and strong currents make it accessible only to experienced technical divers and specialized ROVs.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Tekakwitha is a testament to the ingenuity and endurance of Great Lakes maritime industries. Its name and pristine preservation highlight its cultural and historical value, offering insights into the Tugboat’s operational era and the conditions of the time.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: For updates on further exploration and preservation efforts.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore the database
• NOAA Great Lakes Wrecks: Resources on historical wrecks in the region.
• Shipwreck Explorers: Insights into the Tekakwitha discovery
• www.sonarguy.com: Locator and Modeller

KEYWORDS

Tekakwitha, Great Lakes shipwreck, Tugboat wreck, 2024 shipwreck discovery, maritime history, pristine shipwreck

CONCLUSION

The discovery of the Tekakwitha is a milestone in Great Lakes maritime exploration, revealing a vessel of historical and cultural significance in extraordinary condition. Its preservation and the dedication of the shipwreck hunting team underscore the importance of continued efforts to uncover and document the hidden history beneath the waters of the Great Lakes.