Willwalk Dock Site – Sugar Island, Michigan
1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
The wreck located at 46.388333° N, -84.219133° W off Sugar Island in the St. Marys River is locally identified as Dredge E.B. No. 2, a likely steam-powered harbor dredge or industrial work platform.
Body of Water: St. Marys River
Nearest Landmark: Willwalk Dock site, Sugar Island, Michigan
Coordinates: 46.388333° N, -84.219133° W
Depth: Shallow water; estimated recreational range (exact depth requires in-water confirmation)
The site sits in relatively protected river water, consistent with harbor improvement operations.
2. CONSTRUCTION & OWNERSHIP
Vessel Type: Steam dredge or dredging scow
Hull Form: Rectangular scow-type hull
Build Year: Not yet confirmed
Builder: Not yet confirmed
Place of Build: Likely Great Lakes region
Dimensions (estimated from satellite scale comparison):
Approx. 60–90 ft (18–27 m) in length (to be field-measured)
Beam proportional to typical industrial scow builds
Tonnage: Not yet confirmed
The initials “E.B.” may represent a contractor’s initials rather than a formal vessel name. No federal registry listing has yet been identified.
3. POWER & MACHINERY
Likely steam-powered during operational life.
Typical dredge features of this type would include:
- Vertical boiler
- Steam winches
- Dipper arm or suction assembly
- Spud anchoring system
No superstructure remains visible in the satellite image. Machinery remnants may remain submerged within hull footprint.
4. SERVICE HISTORY
The dredge was likely engaged in:
- Dock excavation
- Channel maintenance
- Local shoreline or industrial construction
The St. Marys River has required continuous dredging since the 19th century to maintain navigation between Lakes Superior and Huron.
No confirmed contract documentation has yet been located tying E.B. No. 2 to a specific Corps of Engineers project.
5. LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES
Date of Loss: Unknown
Location of Loss: Present coordinates (likely abandoned in situ)
There is currently no evidence of storm-related sinking. The site’s condition and location strongly suggest:
- Operational abandonment
- Structural failure during use
- Intentional scuttling after service life
No reported casualties associated with this site.
Further archival confirmation required.
6. DISCOVERY, OUTCOME & LATER HISTORY
The site is clearly visible via satellite imagery, indicating shallow depth and partial structural preservation.
Identification as E.B. No. 2 appears to be local attribution. No formal archaeological survey record has yet been identified in published sources.
Because industrial dredges were often not federally registered like commercial vessels, documentation may exist only in:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers archives
- Contractor records
- Local county records
- Historic newspapers
7. WRECK DESCRIPTION & DIVE CONDITIONS
Orientation: Appears aligned roughly northwest–southeast
Condition: Collapsed but footprint intact
Break-up Level: Moderate structural degradation
Dive Characteristics:
- Shallow freshwater site
- Likely silt bottom
- Variable river current depending on season
- Potential entanglement hazards from structural debris
- Sharp metal edges probable
This site is best suited for:
- Shallow training dives
- Mapping and photogrammetry
- Industrial maritime documentation
Conservation & Dive Ethics
Artifact removal is illegal in Michigan waters without appropriate permits.
Shotline Diving promotes:
- Leave only bubbles, take only memories
- No-touch documentation
- Removal of modern garbage only where safe
- Be the diver that makes a difference
Industrial sites are often overlooked but are historically significant infrastructure remains.
8. REFERENCES & LINKS
For detailed references and supporting documents, see the References & Links section on this page.
Shotline Diving Site Profile
Name: Dredge E.B. No. 2
Other Names: Willwalk Dock Dredge (local reference)
Official Number: Not confirmed
Registry: Likely unregistered industrial vessel
Vessel Type: Steam Dredge / Industrial Scow
Builder: Not yet confirmed
Year Built: Not yet confirmed
Dimensions: Approx. 60–90 ft length (estimate from satellite; requires survey)
Tonnage: Not confirmed
Cargo on Final Voyage: Not applicable
Date of Loss: Unknown (likely abandonment)
Location: Sugar Island, Michigan – St. Marys River
Coordinates: 46.388333° N, -84.219133° W
Depth: Shallow (exact depth pending confirmation)
Home Port: Likely regional contractor base
Owners: Not yet confirmed
Crew: Unknown
Casualties: None reported
Important Research Note
Because there are no searchable registry hits for “E.B. No. 2,” this vessel may never have been formally documented in federal merchant vessel rolls. Many contractor dredges operated under corporate fleet numbering systems rather than registered vessel names.