Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Harry H
• Type: SC-1 Class Submarine Chaser
• Year Built: 1918
• Builder: New York Yacht, Launch, and Engine Co., Morris Heights, NY
• Dimensions: Length 110 ft (33.5 m); Beam 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m); Depth of hold 5 ft 8 in (1.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 77.1 metric tons (85 tons)
• Location: Oshawa Harbour, Ontario
• Original Owners: Joseph G. Hitner, Dennis Sullivan, various owners

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The SC-1 Class Submarine Chaser was a compact, agile vessel crafted for anti-submarine operations during World War I. With a wooden hull and three gasoline engines, these chasers combined speed and maneuverability to track and neutralize enemy submarines. Following its military tenure, the vessel was retrofitted as a yacht, undergoing substantial modifications that reflected its shifting roles over decades of service.

Description

The Harry H, originally commissioned as USS SC-238, was a SC-1 Class Submarine Chaser built in 1918. It featured a wooden hull, three gasoline engines, and was designed for speed and agility in anti-submarine warfare. The vessel underwent modifications over the years, including a conversion to a yacht.

History

Commissioned as USS SC-238 on March 12, 1918, the vessel served the U.S. Navy during World War I. After decommissioning in 1921, it was sold to Joseph G. Hitner and subsequently in 1926 to Dennis Sullivan, who registered it as the yacht Allen. Renamed Sea Roamer, it underwent ownership changes over the years.

During World War II, the vessel was recommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard as USCGC Bowstring (WPC 365). It served briefly before decommissioning in 1944, after which it was sold again and eventually appeared in Canada as Harry H. The vessel’s history includes rumors of involvement in rum-running during Prohibition, adding intrigue to its legacy.

In Oshawa Harbour, Ontario, the Harry H was seized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1933 for customs violations. Despite its storied past, the vessel eventually sank in 1965 due to mechanical failure and was destroyed during dredging operations in 1978, bringing its colorful history to an end.

Significant Incidents

• Commissioned as USS SC-238 on March 12, 1918.
• Decommissioned in 1921 and sold to Joseph G. Hitner.
• Renamed Allen in 1926 after being sold to Dennis Sullivan.
• Recommissioned as USCGC Bowstring (WPC 365) during World War II.
• Seized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1933 for customs violations.
• Sank in 1965 due to mechanical failure.
• Destroyed during dredging operations in 1978.

Final Disposition

The vessel met its demise in Oshawa Harbour when it was destroyed during a dredging operation in 1978. No remains of the Harry H exist, marking a complete end to its physical presence. Its historical legacy, however, remains through records of its service, civilian use, and ties to Prohibition-era activities.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of now, there are no remains of the Harry H in Oshawa Harbour. The site is primarily known for its historical significance rather than physical artifacts. Divers are encouraged to respect the area and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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The story of the Harry H serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of preserving such narratives. As divers explore these waters, they are urged to uphold ethical practices and contribute positively to the underwater environment.