Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: A. B. Conmee
- Type: Wooden screw tug
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Owen Sound, Ontario
- Dimensions: 81 × 20 ft; 71 gross tons
- Registered Tonnage: 71 gross tons
- Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden screw tug, built for harbor towing, dredge support, and forestry transport.
Description
Description
The A. B. Conmee is documented as Confirmed Derelict No. 34 in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s wreck dump area. It is located in the Ship Graveyard zone of Lake Superior, which is now preserved by heritage mandates.
History
History
Built in 1881 in Owen Sound, Ontario, the A. B. Conmee served primarily in harbor towing, dredging, and forestry transport. It operated through the early 1900s, assisting marine traffic and transporting goods. The vessel was scuttled in Thunder Bay during harbor expansion, leading to its current status as an archaeological site.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled during harbor expansion in Thunder Bay.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The A. B. Conmee is now an archaeological site, contributing to the understanding of 19th-century wooden tug design and marine labor history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
Steel logs confirm structural remnants in moderate water depths, likely submerged in 30–60 ft of water. Recognizable wooden frames and machinery are expected for such vessels.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”a-b-conmee” title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The A. B. Conmee represents an important piece of maritime history, providing insights into the operational practices of wooden tugs in the late 19th century.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
A. B. Conmee (Wooden Tug, built 1881) – Thunder Bay Dump Site (Derelict ID No. 34)
Registry & Technical Specifications
- Built: 1881, Owen Sound, Ontario
- Type: Wooden screw tug
- Dimensions: 81 × 20 ft; 71 gross tons
- Registry Origin: Owen Sound, ON
- Historical Use: Likely served in harbor towing, dredge support, and forestry transport on Georgian Bay
- Registry Tracking: Official Canadian registry search recommended (post-1881 List of Ships)
Archaeology & Site Context
- Documented as Confirmed Derelict No. 34 in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s wreck dump area (Academia, russelbrothers.ca).
- Sonar surveys and archaeological charts confirm its wreck identity (Academia);
- Located in Lake Superior, off Thunder Bay, Ontario—the “Ship Graveyard” zone, now preserved by heritage mandates.
Dive-Site Condition
- As part of Sanctuary archaeology reports, steel logs confirm structural remnants in moderate water depths (Academia).
- Likely submerged in 30–60 ft of water; recognizable wooden frames and machinery are expected for such vessels.
Archival Newspaper & Archive Search Strategy
Suggested queries:
"A. B. Conmee" tug Owen Sound 1881 launched"Conmee" Owen Sound tug dredge operations"A. B. Conmee" wreck Thunder Bay
Target Sources:
- Owen Sound Sun-Times (1881–1900) for launch and operations
- Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal for abandonment or site mentions
Heritage Narrative Outline
- Launch & Purpose – Built in 1881 in Owen Sound; instrumental in dredging, logging, and harbor work.
- Operational Career – Served through early 1900s, transporting goods and assisting marine traffic.
- End of Life – Scuttled in Thunder Bay during harbor expansion; now archaeological site.
- Modern Value – Part of heritage documentation, offering insight into 19th-century wooden tug design and marine labor history.
Next Steps
- Retrieve Canadian registry documents (Owen Sound launch records)
- Run archival newspaper searches as outlined
- Request NOAA dive and ROV logs for detailed site data
- Assemble technical narrative, historical context, and site documentation into full profile