Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: G.L. 37
- Type: Wooden scow
- Year Built: 1908
- Builder: South Chicago
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 242 ton each
- Location: Near the head of the St. Mary’s River
- Official Number: 165469
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden scow — a basic cargo carrier or work barge
Description
G.L. 37 was a wooden scow built in 1908 at South Chicago, with an official number of 165469. It had a gross and net tonnage of 242 tons each.
History
The scow operated out of Duluth and was involved in cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Specific details about its service history remain scarce.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: Foundered (took on water and sank) — exact circumstances not reported.
- Date: October 9, 1913.
- Location: Near the head of the St. Mary’s River — Lake Superior/St. Mary’s Waterway.
- Operation Base: Out of Duluth.
- Cargo: Not recorded.
- Casualties: None noted in sources.
Final Disposition
The scow was lost without casualties, indicating a non-catastrophic failure. The wreck site remains unlocated, and further details about the incident are limited.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck site of G.L. 37 has not been located, and information regarding its current condition is scarce.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”g-l-37-us-165469″ title=”References & Links”]
G.L. 37 represents an under-documented aspect of Great Lakes transport, and further research could provide insights into early 20th-century commerce and scow design limitations.
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.
Scow G.L. 37 (Official No. 165469)
Identification & Ship Details
- Type: Wooden scow — a basic cargo carrier or work barge
- Built: 1908 at South Chicago
- Official Number: 165469
- Gross/Net Tonnage: 242 ton each
Final Voyage & Loss
- Incident: Foundered (took on water and sank) — exact circumstances not reported
- Date: October 9, 1913
- Location: Near the head of the St. Mary’s River — Lake Superior/St. Mary’s Waterway
- Operation Base: Out of Duluth
- Cargo: Not recorded
- Casualties: None — “none” noted in sources (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Despite multiple source confirmations, no narrative details (such as weather conditions, crew numbers, or cargo) are available.
Research Gaps & Next Steps
| Focus Area | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| Registry Build & Specs | Obtain original enrollment paperwork and inspection files via Official No. 165469 to clarify home port, owner, and build specifics |
| Harbor Authority Records | Query St. Mary’s River navigation logs (U.S. or Canadian) around October 1913 for incident reporting |
| Lifesaving & Coast Guard Logs | Seek rescue or salvage logs from stations operating near the head of St. Mary’s River |
| Newspaper Archive Search | Investigate regional newspapers like Sault Star, Duluth News Tribune, and Alpena News for mention of sinking on Oct 9, 1913 |
| Wreck Survey Preparation | If a probable site emerges, plan side-scan sonar or magnetometer surveys to locate remains of the scow in shallow to moderate water |
Significance
- Represents under-documented working scows vital to Great Lakes transport and harbor operations
- Loss without casualties speaks to a non-catastrophic failure—potentially useful for studying scow design limitations
- Could illuminate narratives around St. Mary’s River commerce during early 20th-century expansions
Summary Snapshot
- Name: G.L. 37
- Built: 1908, South Chicago
- Tonnage: 242 gt/nt
- Lost: Oct 9, 1913 — foundered near head of St. Mary’s River
- Crew: All survived
- Cargo: Unknown
- Current Status: Wreck site unlocated, details scarce