Unidentified Hull – Wreck 6

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

This unidentified hull, referred to as Wreck 6, is one of several vessels scuttled as part of the Portsmouth Harbour cleanup during the 1930s. The hull, like others in the area, was likely a derelict or obsolete vessel that had outlived its usefulness. These vessels were stripped of valuable components before being intentionally sunk, leaving behind the basic structure to deteriorate over time. Due to its unidentifiable state, specific details about the vessel’s original purpose, construction, or ownership are unknown.

HISTORY #

Portsmouth Harbour, along with other parts of Kingston’s waterfront, underwent significant cleanup efforts in the 1930s to remove old and abandoned vessels that had accumulated over the years. These efforts were part of a broader initiative to maintain navigable waters and improve the safety and aesthetics of the harbor. Wreck 6 is one of the many vessels that were scuttled during this period.

The practice of scuttling ships in designated graveyard sites was a common method for disposing of vessels that were no longer viable for commercial or operational use. These graveyard sites, such as the one at Portsmouth Harbour, served as the final resting place for numerous unidentified hulks, which were left to gradually break down under natural forces.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The hull of Wreck 6 now rests at the bottom of Portsmouth Harbour. Over the decades, it has likely become heavily encrusted with marine life and sediment, making it difficult to identify any distinguishing features that could provide clues about its origin. The wreck is part of the broader collection of scuttled vessels in the area, forming a significant, though largely undocumented, part of Kingston’s maritime history.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck is located in shallow water, making it accessible to divers. However, due to its deteriorated and unidentifiable state, it may not offer much in terms of structural exploration. The wreck is one of many in the area, which together create an underwater landscape that tells the story of Portsmouth Harbour’s past.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

   • Database of shipwrecks and maritime incidents, offering context for scuttled hulks like Wreck 6.
   • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

   • Provides information on shipwreck preservation efforts, similar to those that might have been applied to sites like Portsmouth Harbour.
   • NOAA Thunder Bay

3. Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS)

   • An organization focused on preserving Ontario’s underwater heritage, including wreck sites like those in Portsmouth Harbour.
   • Save Ontario Shipwrecks

4. Wrecksite EU

   • A resource for identifying and researching shipwrecks worldwide, including those that remain unidentified like Wreck 6.
   • Wrecksite EU