IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Islander Dredge

Type: Dredge

Location: Snake Island, Lake Ontario

GPS Coordinates: N 44 11.692’ W 76 34.215’

Depth: 65 feet (19.8 meters)

Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Islander Dredge lies near Snake Island in Lake Ontario at a depth of 65 feet. Once an essential piece of harbor maintenance equipment, it was intentionally sunk after being decommissioned in the 1930s. The stripped-down wreck is relatively intact and provides an excellent dive site for those interested in the industrial Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Its location near Snake Island situates it within a historical area known for hosting numerous scuttled vessels and other discarded maritime equipment.

HISTORY

The Islander Dredge played a vital role during its operational years, primarily tasked with dredging harbors to maintain navigable waterways for vessels. Dredging operations were critical in the early 20th century for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and people throughout the Great Lakes.

After completing a significant harbor cleanup in the 1930s, the Dredge was stripped of all valuable components and materials. The Hull, deemed surplus to requirements, was intended to be part of a ship graveyard but was scuttled near Snake Island before reaching its final destination.

Its discovery by diver Mike Powell highlighted its presence as one of several wrecks in the Snake Island area, a site historically associated with scuttled and Abandoned vessels.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Islander Dredge was stripped and scuttled near Snake Island after being decommissioned. This deliberate sinking reflects the practical disposal practices of the time, often performed to clear obsolete vessels from harbors and waterways.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently associated with the wreck of the Islander Dredge. Divers exploring the site should exercise caution due to potential entanglement hazards and sharp remnants associated with industrial vessels.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck was discovered by diver Mike Powell. While the exact date of discovery is unspecified, it remains part of the documented collection of wrecks in the Snake Island region.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Islander Dredge is stripped of its original equipment but retains a discernible structure that reflects its former industrial purpose. At a depth of 65 feet, the site is accessible to divers with intermediate or advanced experience. The location provides an excellent opportunity to explore industrial maritime history and understand the importance of dredging in shaping the region’s maritime infrastructure.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Information on dredging vessels and their role in the Great Lakes.

•Wrecksite Database: Documentation and historical records related to the Islander Dredge.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: A resource for diving and historical studies in the Great Lakes region.

KEYWORDS

•Islander Dredge

•Snake Island

•Lake Ontario shipwrecks

•Harbor maintenance

•Industrial maritime history

•Scuttled wreck

•Great Lakes dredging operations

ANALYSIS

The Islander Dredge serves as a tangible connection to the industrial efforts that were vital to maintaining the Great Lakes as a bustling maritime network. The deliberate scuttling of such vessels after their usefulness had passed was a common practice, and this wreck provides a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century harbor management. Situated near Snake Island, the Islander Dredge enriches the area’s already diverse collection of underwater historical artifacts, offering unique exploration opportunities for divers and historians alike.