Mary Ann (Mary Ann of Dunnville) (1867)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

Name: Mary Ann
Type: Wooden-hulled tugboat
Year Built: 1867
Builder: Stromness (near Dunnville), Ontario
Dimensions: ~78 ft length; ~15 ft beam; approx. 57 tons
Registered Tonnage: 57 tons
Depth at Wreck Site: 21 m / 70 ft
Location: Off the Welcome Islands, Thunder Bay–Lake Superior

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled tugboat.

Description

The Mary Ann, also known as Mary Ann of Dunnville, was built in 1867 and is significant as one of the first vessels registered under Canada’s Confederation registry. The tugboat features a wooden hull and has been rediscovered in remarkably well-preserved condition.

History

After its construction, the Mary Ann operated around Lake Erie, assisting ships in docking and towing. It was later transferred to Lake Superior, where it was based near Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) and served various roles, including recreational excursions and logging support.

Significant Incidents

The tug was intentionally scuttled near the Welcome Islands close to Thunder Bay, Lake Superior.
Local divers rediscovered the hull in remarkably well-preserved condition at a depth of around 55–70 ft.

Final Disposition

The Mary Ann was scuttled intentionally, and its remains are intact, providing valuable archaeological insights into early tug design and vessel preservation in freshwater environments.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is located at a depth of 55–70 ft and is remarkably preserved in clear, zebra-mussel-free freshwater. The wooden hull, cabin fixtures, structural fittings, and other period artifacts remain intact.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Mary Ann embodies a unique blend of maritime and national history, representing early Canadian industrial craftsmanship and contributing to both economic and recreational maritime activity. Its preservation offers rare insights into 19th-century tug architecture and freshwater archaeological contexts.