Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Ottawa US 3152 (Boscobel C 116391)

Explore the wreck of the Ottawa, a historic tugboat from 1881, resting in shallow waters of Lake Superior, ideal for divers and snorkelers.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Ottawa (formerly Boscobel)
  • Type: Tug – Towboat
  • Year Built: 1881
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length: 151 ft (46 m); Width: 28.4 ft (8.7 m); Depth: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 4.9 m / 16 ft
  • Location: Bayfield, WI
  • Coordinates: 46° 52.991′ N, 90° 45.826′ W
  • Official Number: US 3152, C 116391

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Ottawa, originally known as the Boscobel, is classified as a tug and towboat, designed to assist in towing operations on the Great Lakes.

Description

The wreck of the Ottawa lies in shallow water, making it accessible for divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. The wreck site primarily consists of the vessel’s bottom, remnants of its sides, and several broken iron machinery components scattered around. The shallow depth offers excellent visibility and ease of exploration, contributing to its popularity among recreational divers and kayaking enthusiasts.

History

The Ottawa, originally known as the Boscobel, was constructed in 1881 as a tug and towboat. It served on the Great Lakes, providing towing services for commercial and industrial operations. With its robust wooden hull, the vessel was built to withstand heavy loads and challenging lake conditions. Despite its utility, the Ottawa lacked onboard engines, relying on towing power. The vessel sank in 1909 under circumstances not detailed in the available records. Its long operational history illustrates its significance as a workhorse of its era.

Significant Incidents

  • Sank in 1909 under unspecified circumstances.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Ottawa remains on the bottom of Lake Superior, accessible for exploration and study.

Current Condition & Accessibility

At a depth of 16 ft (4.9 m), the wreck is in shallow waters, making it suitable for divers of all skill levels. The site typically offers good visibility and is ideal for snorkeling and kayaking.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”ottawa-us-3152-boscobel-c-116391″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As a historic tugboat wreck, the Ottawa provides a unique opportunity for divers and historians alike to explore the remnants of Great Lakes maritime history. Remember to respect the site and leave only bubbles, taking only memories.

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.

Shipwreck Report: Ottawa (aka Boscobel)

BOSCOBEL (1881, Tug (Towboat))
Source – Peter J. VanderLinden
Name of original file : 22503_22546_F.jp2

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Ottawa (formerly Boscobel)
  • Registry: United States
  • Official Number(s): US 3152, C 116391
  • Vessel Type: Tug – Towboat
  • Year Built: 1881
  • Year Sank: 1909
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: None
  • Dimensions Length: 151 ft (46 m) Width: 28.4 ft (8.7 m) Depth: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
  • Location: Bayfield, WI
  • GPS Coordinates: 46° 52.991′ N, 90° 45.826′ W

Vessel History

The Ottawa, originally known as the Boscobel, was constructed in 1881 as a tug and towboat. It served on the Great Lakes, providing towing services for commercial and industrial operations. With its robust wooden hull, the vessel was built to withstand heavy loads and challenging lake conditions. Despite its utility, the Ottawa lacked onboard engines, relying on towing power.

The vessel sank in 1909 under circumstances not detailed in the available records. Its long operational history illustrates its significance as a workhorse of its era.

References

Wreck Site Information

Site Description:

The wreck of the Ottawa lies in shallow water, making it accessible for divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. The wreck site primarily consists of the vessel’s bottom, remnants of its sides, and several broken iron machinery components scattered around. The shallow depth offers excellent visibility and ease of exploration, contributing to its popularity among recreational divers and kayaking enthusiasts.

Dive Considerations

  • Depth: At 16 ft (4.9 m), this is a shallow dive suitable for all skill levels.
  • Accessibility: The shallow depth makes it an ideal site for snorkeling and kayaking.
  • Visibility: Typically good due to the site’s location in clear waters.
  • Noteworthy Features: Broken machinery components and remaining wooden structures provide an interesting exploration opportunity.

Keywords, Categories & Glossary

Keywords: Ottawa, Tugboat, Lake Superior Shipwreck, Wooden Hull, Wisconsin Wreck

Categories: Maritime Workboats, Shallow Shipwrecks, Great Lakes History

Glossary:

  • Towboat: A vessel designed to tow other vessels or barges.
  • Hull: The main body of the ship.
  • Machinery Components: Parts of the ship’s operational systems, such as towing winches.

3D Model – Ottawa

Ottawa by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

ottawa-us-3152-boscobel-c-116391 1909-03-14 07:54:00