ISLANDER

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Islander Dredge is a wreck located near Snake Island in Lake Ontario, resting at a depth of 65 feet. The dredge, once used for harbor maintenance, is a stripped-down vessel that was intentionally sunk after a cleanup operation in the 1930s. The wreck offers a compelling dive site for those interested in industrial maritime history and the evolution of harbor operations on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Islander Dredge was an essential piece of equipment during its operational life, primarily used for dredging operations to maintain and deepen harbors, ensuring safe passage for vessels. After the completion of a significant harbor cleanup in the 1930s, the dredge was deemed surplus to requirements. It was stripped of valuable materials and towed to be scuttled near Snake Island, where it now rests on the lakebed.

The wreck was located by diver Mike Powel, adding to the collection of known wrecks around Snake Island, an area historically used as a dumping ground for out-of-service vessels and other maritime equipment.

FINAL DISPOSITION

After being stripped of its useful parts, the Islander Dredge was sunk intentionally as part of the common practice of scuttling obsolete vessels. The dredge was on its way to a ship graveyard but was scuttled before reaching its final destination, coming to rest near Snake Island.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the Islander Dredge wreck. However, as with all dive sites, divers should exercise caution, particularly given the wreck’s industrial origins and the potential for sharp objects or entanglement hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck was discovered by Mike Powell, a diver known for exploring the waters around Snake Island. The exact date of discovery is not provided, but it is recognized as a part of the broader collection of wrecks in the area.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Islander Dredge is relatively intact but stripped of most of its original equipment, reflecting its function and final scuttling. The wreck is accessible to divers, particularly those with intermediate to advanced experience, given the depth of 65 feet. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore a piece of industrial history, offering insights into the dredging operations that were vital to the maintenance of harbors in the early 20th century.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Islander Dredge: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
2. Wrecksite Database – Islander Dredge: Wrecksite Database
3. Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Great Lakes Shipwreck Research

KEYWORDS

• Islander Dredge, Snake Island, Lake Ontario, Harbor Maintenance, Industrial Maritime History, Scuttled Wreck, Dredging Operations.

ANALYSIS The Islander Dredge wreck is a significant reminder of the extensive efforts required to maintain harbors and waterways in the Great Lakes region. The practice of scuttling vessels like the Islander after they had outlived their usefulness was a common one, and this wreck serves as a historical marker of the industrial activity that shaped the region’s maritime infrastructure. The wreck’s location near Snake Island adds to the area’s rich history of shipwrecks and scuttled vessels, making it a valuable site for divers interested in industrial maritime history.