Shotline Diving

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D.C. Shaw (pre-1926)

Explore the wreck of the D.C. Shaw, a wooden dredge scow lost in a fire in 1926, marking a significant transition in dredging technology.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: D.C. Shaw
  • Type: Wooden dredge scow
  • Year Built:
  • Builder: G.H. Breymann & Bros. Dredging Co.
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Toledo, Ohio
  • Original Owners: G.H. Breymann & Bros. Dredging Co.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled dredge scow, part of the G.H. Breymann & Bros. Dredging Co. fleet based in Toledo, Ohio.

Description

The D.C. Shaw was utilized for dredging the Toledo–Erie channel under contracts with the U.S. Army Corps. It was moored alongside other vessels in a ship graveyard on the Maumee River.

History

On June 8, 1926, a fire ignited in the Toledo boneyard due to a passing locomotive ember. The blaze resulted in the destruction of seven vessels, including the D.C. Shaw, which was consumed up to the waterline. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the crew.

Significant Incidents

  • June 8, 1926: A fire at the Toledo boneyard destroyed the D.C. Shaw and six other vessels.

Final Disposition

The D.C. Shaw was declared a total loss, with wreckage likely abandoned or dismantled in place. This incident marked the end of wooden dredging vessels in Toledo, leading to a shift towards newer technologies.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed to be abandoned or dismantled following the fire.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”d-c-shaw-pre-1926″ title=”References & Links”]

The D.C. Shaw’s abrupt end during the 1926 fire highlights the maritime hazards faced by wooden vessels in the early 20th century and signifies a transition in dredging technology. Further research may uncover more about her specifications and operational history.

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.

D. C. SHAW (Wooden Dredge Scow) — Fire Loss, 1926

Vessel Overview & Context

  • Type: Wooden-hulled dredge scow, part of the G. H. Breymann & Bros. Dredging Co. fleet based in Toledo, Ohio
  • Role: Used for dredging the Toledo–Erie channel under U.S. Army Corps contracts
  • Co-incident Vessel: Tug John B. Breymann (formerly Marinette, US 91857), among a fleet of seven vessels moored together in a “boneyard” or ship graveyard on the Maumee River

June 8, 1926 – Fire at Toledo Boneyard

  • Incident: A passing locomotive ember ignited a blaze in the ship graveyard
  • Casualties: None reported among the vessels’ crew, including D. C. SHAW
  • Outcome: The fire destroyed seven vessels in the yard, consumed up to the waterline, including D. C. SHAW, resulting in total loss (Shotline Diving, McNally Corp.)

“On June 8, 1926… a fire broke out on the property. The John B. Breymann was among seven vessels destroyed. The Tug burned to the waterline and was declared a Total Loss. … no casualties were reported.” (Shotline Diving)

Final Disposition & Salvage

  • Status: Declared a total loss; wreckage likely abandoned or dismantled in place
  • Aftermath: Signaled the end of wooden dredging vessels in Toledo in favor of newer technology

Sources & Verification

  • Toledo’s public history archives (Toledo’s Attic): reference historical fires in shipyards (Shotline Diving, Toledo’s Attic)
  • Dive website Shotline Diving: provides details on the John B. Breymann fire and notes seven vessels lost, moored together with D. C. SHAW included (Shotline Diving)

Recommended Research Directions

  • Newspaper Reports: Investigate late June 1926 Toledo Blade archives for fire account specifics, assessment of D. C. SHAW‘s loss, and any mention of salvage
  • U.S. Army Corps & Port Authority Records: May include yard inventories of destroyed dredge scows and replacement documentation
  • G. H. Breymann & Bros. Records: Company archives (if preserved) could reveal scow specifications, insurance filings, and fleet maintenance logs
  • Salvage Documentation: Check Toledo Harbor salvage operation files for vessel disposal or hull salvage processes

Conclusion

The D. C. SHAW ended her service abruptly during a June 8, 1926 fire in the Toledo ship ‘boneyard’—one of seven vessels lost, with no reported casualties. Positioned in historical context, her end reflects both industrial transition in dredging technology and maritime hazards tied to early 20th-century wooden craft. Further archival research could reveal her specifications, usage, and exact role within the Breymann fleet.

d-c-shaw-pre-1926 1926-06-08 22:18:00