Identification & Site Information: Ford Model TT Wreck

• Name: Ford TT Truck Wreck
• Location: St. Lawrence River, near Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: 62 feet (18.9 metres)
• Date of Wreck: Unknown
• Condition: Preserved in freshwater, studied using underwater photogrammetry in summer 2024

Vessel Type

While not a shipwreck, this is a Ford Model TT truck, an early 20th-century vehicle designed for heavy-duty use, often utilized in transportation and light industry. It serves as a unique artifact, reflecting the era’s technology and the historical narrative of the St. Lawrence region.

Description

The Ford Model TT was introduced in 1917 as a heavy-duty version of the famous Model T. The truck featured a sturdier chassis and rear axle, allowing it to carry heavier loads. These vehicles were commonly used for transporting goods and materials, making them invaluable during the early 20th century.

The wreck lies at a depth of 62 feet (18.9 metres) in the St. Lawrence River. Its preservation in the freshwater environment has likely safeguarded significant portions of the metal frame, axles, and possibly the engine. The surrounding region has a rich maritime and industrial history, and this vehicle’s presence could be linked to the area’s shipping or construction projects, potentially related to the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway or other local infrastructure.

The site has been thoroughly documented using underwater photogrammetry in 2024, providing high-resolution imagery and a detailed 3D model of the wreck.

Final Dispositions

The Ford TT may have ended up in the river due to an accident, flooding, or intentional disposal. The specific circumstances remain unclear without further historical context or records.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• The wreck is a diving site of interest at a moderate depth.
• Divers should be aware of potential currents in the St. Lawrence River.
• •The site is not a navigation hazard due to its location and size.

Resources & Links

• Lock 23 Project – Detailed information about the Ford TT wreck and the surrounding area.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks – Resources on wreck preservation and diving guidelines.
• St. Lawrence Parks Commission – Regional historical and recreational information.

Conclusion

The Ford TT wreck offers a fascinating glimpse into the technological and historical narrative of the early 20th century in the St. Lawrence River region. Its preservation through underwater photogrammetry ensures that this unique artifact continues to tell its story, drawing attention to the rich industrial and maritime history of Morrisburg, Ontario.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: Ford TT truck, St. Lawrence River, Morrisburg, photogrammetry, underwater artifact, Lock 23

• Categories: Underwater Archaeology, Freshwater Wrecks, Industrial Heritage

• Glossary Terms:

• Ford TT: A heavy-duty truck model produced by Ford starting in 1917.

• Photogrammetry: A technique used to create detailed 3D models from photographs, often used in archaeology.

• St. Lawrence Seaway: A critical waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Morrisburg’s Truck by Christian Rémillard on Sketchfab