Shipwreck Report: Ottawa (aka Boscobel)

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Ottawa (formerly Boscobel)
• Registry: United States
• Official Number(s): US 3152, C 116391
• Vessel Type: Tug – Towboat
• Year Built: 1881
• Year Sank: 1909
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: None
• Dimensions Length: 151 ft (46 m) Width: 28.4 ft (8.7 m) Depth: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
• Location: Bayfield, WI
• GPS Coordinates: 46° 52.991′ N, 90° 45.826′ W

Vessel History

The Ottawa, originally known as the Boscobel, was constructed in 1881 as a Tug and Towboat. It served on the Great Lakes, providing towing services for commercial and industrial operations. With its robust wooden Hull, the vessel was built to withstand heavy loads and challenging lake conditions. Despite its utility, the Ottawa lacked onboard engines, relying on towing power.

The vessel sank in 1909 under circumstances not detailed in the available records. Its long operational history illustrates its significance as a workhorse of its era.

References

• Great Lakes Maritime Database
• Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database
• 3D Shipwrecks – Ottawa
• Ottawa Shipwreck (1881) Marine protected area

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Superior
• State/Province: Wisconsin
• Depth: 16 ft (4.9 m)
• GPS Coordinates: 46° 52.991′ N, 90° 45.826′ W

Site Description:

The wreck of the Ottawa lies in shallow water, making it accessible for divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. The wreck site primarily consists of the vessel’s bottom, remnants of its sides, and several broken iron machinery components scattered around. The shallow depth offers excellent Visibility and ease of exploration, contributing to its popularity among recreational divers and kayaking enthusiasts.

Dive Considerations

• Depth: At 16 ft (4.9 m), this is a shallow dive suitable for all skill levels.
• Accessibility: The shallow depth makes it an ideal site for snorkeling and kayaking.
• Visibility: Typically good due to the site’s location in clear waters.
• Noteworthy Features: Broken machinery components and remaining wooden structures provide an interesting exploration opportunity.

Keywords, Categories & Glossary

Keywords: Ottawa, Tugboat, Lake Superior Shipwreck, Wooden Hull, Wisconsin Wreck

Categories: Maritime Workboats, Shallow Shipwrecks, Great Lakes History

Glossary:

• Towboat: A vessel designed to tow other vessels or barges.
• Hull: The main body of the ship.
• Machinery Components: Parts of the ship’s operational systems, such as towing winches.

3D Model – Ottawa

Ottawa by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab