Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Julian V. O’Brien
- Type: Wooden screw-propelled tugboat
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder: Union Dry Dock Company
- Dimensions: 68.4 ft (20.8 m) length × 17.4 ft beam × 8.3 ft depth
- Registered Tonnage: 58 gross / 29 net tons
- Location: Port Arthur, Lake Superior (now Thunder Bay, ON)
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates undetermined
- Official Number: 76,755
- Original Owners: N. Holland, A. A. Wright, H. G. & L. Company, Port Arthur Construction Co.
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Julian V. O’Brien is classified as a wooden screw-propelled tugboat, designed for towing and construction operations in the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1888, the Julian V. O’Brien was a wooden tugboat that underwent multiple rebuilds and machinery upgrades throughout its operational life. Originally powered by a compound steam engine, it was adapted for various commercial tow operations.
History
The vessel was completed by the Union Dry Dock Company in Buffalo, New York. It was rebuilt in 1892 and underwent several ownership changes, with notable upgrades in 1907 that included a new engine and boiler. It served primarily as a construction and service tug.
Significant Incidents
- 1936: Officially removed from registry and scuttled after abandonment.
Final Disposition
After being removed from the registry in 1936, the hull was towed out of Port Arthur harbor and scuttled under contract with the Dominion government. No hull remnants have been recorded, as scuttling typically occurred offshore to clear harbor space.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact location of the wreck is undetermined, but it is believed to be offshore in the planning basin near Port Arthur (Thunder Bay). The site condition is likely highly degraded, with potential remains consisting of iron and wood fragments buried in lake sediment.
Resources & Links
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The Julian V. O’Brien represents a significant piece of maritime history, reflecting the evolution of steam technology in the Great Lakes. Its scuttling in 1936 cleared valuable harbor space, yet the wreck remains undocumented, presenting opportunities for future archaeological investigation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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