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
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
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.