Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Dupuis No. 10

•Type: Towed Vessel

•Date of Incident: Early 20th century (specific date unknown)

•Location: Lake Erie (exact coordinates not disclosed)

•Depth: Not specified; known to be accessible to divers

•Condition:

•Hull partially buried in the lakebed

•Significant portions of the vessel remain visible and intact

Vessel Type Description

The Dupuis No. 10 was a steel-hulled towed vessel built in 1915 by the Nicholson Terminal and Dock Company in Ecorse, Michigan. The robust design and construction were tailored for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The vessel featured:

•Length: 143 feet (43.6 meters)

•Beam: 32 feet (9.8 meters)

•Tonnage: 316 tons

The Dupuis No. 10 was built for transporting bulk cargoes and was considered an essential part of the shipping network during its operational life.

History

Service Life

The Dupuis No. 10 served diligently on the Great Lakes, transporting a variety of cargoes across these crucial waterways. Its robust construction allowed it to endure the demanding environment and the heavy loads it carried.

The Final Voyage

On its final journey, the Dupuis No. 10 was being towed to Toronto for refitting. During the transit across Lake Erie, the vessel encountered a catastrophic failure when its onboard generator ran out of fuel, leaving it powerless while under tow.

As the Hull began to take on water, the situation quickly escalated. The crew’s attempts to save the vessel were unsuccessful, and they had no choice but to abandon ship. Thankfully, all crew members survived, but the Dupuis No. 10 sank to the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Erie, where it remains today.

This event underscores the vulnerability of even well-constructed vessels to the challenges posed by nature and mechanical failures.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Dupuis No. 10 lies submerged in Lake Erie. Over time, it has become a point of interest for divers and maritime historians. Despite its deterioration, much of the vessel remains intact, offering an accessible and fascinating site for exploration.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories

While there are no specific NOTMARs related to the wreck, divers are advised to exercise caution when approaching and exploring the site. Hazards may include:

•Submerged debris

•Sharp edges on the steel Hull

•Low Visibility, depending on water conditions

Located By & Date

The wreck was discovered sometime after its sinking, though the exact date and details of its discovery are not widely documented. It is a well-known dive site in the Lake Erie region.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Dupuis No. 10 is accessible to divers with proper training and equipment. Its location in Lake Erie provides a unique opportunity for exploration, with visible features including sections of the Hull, Deck structure, and possible remnants of the vessel’s cargo or machinery.

Resources & Links

Primary Sources

•Nicholson Terminal and Dock Company archives

•Great Lakes shipping and maritime logs

Further Reading

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records on the region’s shipping history.

•Great Lakes Ships: A resource for historical vessel information.

•Local historical societies and diving forums frequently provide dive reports and historical context about the wreck.

Conclusion

The Dupuis No. 10 stands as a testament to the industrial ingenuity of the early 20th century and the resilience of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Though its loss was unfortunate, the wreck now serves as an underwater time capsule, providing divers and historians with a window into the past. Its story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime travel and the importance of innovation in overcoming such challenges.

Keywords

#DupuisNo10 #GreatLakes #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Shipwrecks #TowedVessel #20thCenturyShipping #UnderwaterExploration #DivingSites #IndustrialHistory #NicholsonTerminal #MaritimeDisasters