Dupuis No. 10

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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 publicly disclosed)
Depth: Not specified, but known to be accessible to divers
Condition: The wreck is relatively intact, though it has deteriorated over time due to its prolonged submersion. The vessel’s hull is partially buried in the lakebed, but significant portions remain visible for exploration.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Dupuis No. 10 was a robust vessel commissioned in 1915, constructed by the Nicholson Terminal and Dock Company in Ecorse, Michigan. This vessel was designed with the following specifications:

Length: 143 feet
Beam: 32 feet
Tonnage: 316 tons
Construction: Steel hull, built to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes shipping.

Initially, the Dupuis No. 10 served its purpose efficiently, transporting various cargoes across the Great Lakes. The vessel was being towed to Toronto for refitting, which was a common practice to maintain the operational integrity of such ships.

HISTORY #

The Dupuis No. 10 was a workhorse of the Great Lakes, representing the industrial prowess of early 20th-century shipbuilding. On the fateful day of its sinking, the vessel was en route to Toronto for a much-needed refit. However, during its journey across Lake Erie, disaster struck when the onboard generator ran out of fuel, leaving the ship without power while it was under tow.

As the crew struggled to manage the situation, the hull of the Dupuis No. 10 began to take on water rapidly. Despite their best efforts, the inflow became unmanageable, and the vessel began to sink. Faced with no other option, the crew was forced to abandon the ship. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the Dupuis No. 10 was claimed by the depths of Lake Erie, where it remains to this day.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Dupuis No. 10 lies on the bottom of Lake Erie, its steel hull partially submerged in the lakebed. Over the years, the wreck has become a site of interest for divers, who explore its remains to uncover the history of this once-formidable vessel. The site serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by sailors during the early 20th century and the inherent risks of maritime travel.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly associated with the Dupuis No. 10 wreck. However, divers are advised to approach the site with caution due to the potential hazards associated with exploring underwater wrecks, particularly those that have been submerged for an extended period.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The Dupuis No. 10 wreck was located some time after its sinking, though the exact date of discovery is not widely documented. It has since become a well-known site among the diving community in Lake Erie.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources:

Historical records from the Nicholson Terminal and Dock Company archives.
Maritime incident reports and Great Lakes shipping logs from the early 20th century.

Further Reading and Online Resources:

Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Ships
Diving forums and local historical societies often discuss the Dupuis No. 10 wreck, providing insights and dive reports.

CONCLUSION #

The Dupuis No. 10 was a testament to the industrial might of its era, built to serve the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping. Its sinking was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime travel and the ever-present dangers faced by those who sailed these waters. Today, the wreck remains a poignant underwater landmark, offering a glimpse into the past and honoring the memory of the sailors who manned it.

KEYWORDS #

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #DupuisNo10 #20thCenturyShipping #SailingVessels #UnderwaterExploration #DivingSites #LakeErieWrecks #NicholsonTerminal #MaritimeDisasters