Dredger Algoma – Lake Michigan Barge Shipwreck (1918)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Algoma
• Type: Wooden Dredge Barge
• Year Built:
• Builder: Unknown
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Manitowoc Harbour, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Official Number: Unknown
• Original Owners: Unknown
• Number of Masts: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type:
Wooden dredge barge, a type of vessel commonly used in harbor maintenance and construction, particularly for dredging sediment to keep waterways navigable.

Description

Description:
Details regarding the construction and specifications of the Algoma are currently unknown. As a dredge barge, she was equipped with machinery for dredging operations, essential for maintaining harbor depths and facilitating safe navigation for larger vessels. These barges typically had flat bottoms for stability and were often towed into position by tugs.

History

History:
There is little recorded information about the Algoma‘s operational history. As a dredge barge, she would have been engaged in harbor maintenance work, operating in and around Manitowoc Harbor, a key port on the western shore of Lake Michigan known for its shipbuilding and industrial activities.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Loss:
On November 18, 1918, the Algoma foundered in Manitowoc Harbor during a storm. The specific circumstances of the sinking, including whether the barge was under tow or anchored at the time, remain unclear. The records do not indicate whether there were any fatalities associated with the sinking, and it is possible that the barge was unmanned during the storm, as dredge barges often had minimal or no crew when not actively operating.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition:
The Algoma foundered in Manitowoc Harbor and was left submerged. It is unclear whether salvage efforts were undertaken or if the wreck remains in the harbor today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Located By & Date Found:
No confirmed modern discovery or detailed documentation of the wreck site has been reported.
NOTMARs & Advisories:
No specific navigational hazards related to the Algoma have been reported for Manitowoc Harbor, though mariners are advised to consult current charts for any underwater obstructions.

Resources & Links

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Conclusion:
The Algoma is one of many working vessels that met their end in the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. While little is known about her construction or service history, her loss in 1918 during a storm in Manitowoc Harbour reflects the ever-present risks faced by even stationary or near-shore vessels. Further research and potential discovery of the wreck would provide more insight into this unassuming but essential part of Great Lakes maritime history.