Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: THAMES NO. 1
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 272214
• Type at Loss: Scow Hopper-Barge, Crane-Equipped 
• Builder: Amsbridge, Pennsylvania
• Year Built: 1930
• Specifications: Length: 175 ft (53.34 m) Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 548 tons
• Net Tonnage: 548 tons
• Date Lost: March 3, 1959
• Cause: Sank while under tow
• Place of Loss: Off Canadian Rock Salt Co., Ojibway (Windsor), Ontario
• Waterbody: Detroit River
• Cargo: Approximately 750 tons of fill and a large crane
• Loss of Life: None reported

Vessel Type

The THAMES NO. 1 was a scow hopper-Barge designed for heavy industrial use, equipped with a crane for loading and unloading materials. Scow barges are flat-bottomed vessels commonly used in construction, dredging, and land reclamation projects, particularly in shallow or sheltered waters like those of the Detroit River.

Description

Built in 1930 in Amsbridge, Pennsylvania, the THAMES NO. 1 was a robust Barge designed for heavy-duty construction and disposal operations. With a length of 175 feet and a beam of 26 feet, she was capable of carrying large loads of fill material, debris, or equipment. Her design included a hopper-style hold, which allowed for easy dumping of bulk materials, and she was equipped with a large crane to assist in lifting heavy cargo.

The Barge was owned by Detroit Marine Disposal, a company specializing in marine construction and waste management along the Detroit River and surrounding waterways.

History

During the mid-20th century, the THAMES NO. 1 served as a workhorse Barge, supporting industrial projects in the busy maritime corridor of the Detroit River. This period was marked by significant development along the Canadian and American shorelines, including land reclamation projects, dock construction, and dredging operations to maintain navigational channels.

At the time of her loss, THAMES NO. 1 was engaged in a land reclamation project around Ojibway, part of Windsor, Ontario. The area was undergoing industrial expansion, with companies like the Canadian Rock Salt Co. playing key roles in the region’s economic activity.

Final Voyage & Loss

On March 3, 1959, the THAMES NO. 1 was under tow by a Tug, transporting a ¾ load of fill material (approximately 750 tons) along with a large crane. The Barge was en route to a site near the Canadian Rock Salt Company at Ojibway, Windsor, Ontario, where the materials were to be used for land reclamation—a common practice to expand usable shoreline for industrial development.

While navigating the Detroit River, the Barge encountered difficulties and suddenly Foundered, sinking in approximately 25 feet (7.62 m) of water. The specific cause of the sinking is not detailed in historical records, but factors could have included structural failure, instability due to shifting cargo, or compromised watertight integrity—all common risks for heavily laden, towed barges.

Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, no lives were lost. The large crane was later recovered, but there is no record that the Barge itself was ever raised. It is likely that, due to the cost of salvage and the Barge’s utilitarian nature, she was deemed unsalvageable and left submerged.

Final Disposition

• Declared a Total Loss: March 3, 1959
• Cause of Loss: Sank while under tow
• Location: Ojibway, Windsor, Ontario, near Canadian Rock Salt Co.
• Coordinates: Not officially recorded
• Depth: Approximately 25 feet (7.62 m. The wreck likely remains partially buried in river sediment, posing minimal navigational hazard due to its location near industrial docks and reclaimed land.

Located By & Date Found

• Status: No official recovery or wreck discovery reported
• Approximate Location: Detroit River, off Ojibway, Windsor, Ontario
• Coordinates: Not available

Given its shallow resting depth, the wreck may still be present, though covered by sediment or incorporated into subsequent land reclamation efforts.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Obstructions: None officially recorded in current maritime navigational charts

Advisories: None reported

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database
• Library and Archives Canada
• David Swayze’s Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The sinking of the THAMES NO. 1 highlights the risks faced by industrial support vessels working in the Great Lakes region, even during routine operations. While not as historically significant as passenger ships or wartime vessels, barges like the THAMES NO. 1 were vital to the economic development of waterfront communities along the Detroit River.

Her story serves as a reminder of the many unsung vessels that quietly contributed to the growth of the Great Lakes maritime industry, only to meet their end through the hazards of heavy labor and unforgiving waters.