Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: P.W.D. 117 (Sir Wilfrid)
- Type: Composite dredge barge
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder: Polson Iron Works
- Dimensions: Length 108 ft (32.9 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 670 gross / 570 net tons
- Location: Port Stanley, Ontario
- Official Number: C112186
- Original Owners: Canadian Department of Public Works (P.W.D.)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The P.W.D. 117, originally named Sir Wilfrid, is classified as a composite dredge barge, built primarily for dredging operations.
Description
Constructed in 1902 by Polson Iron Works in Toronto, the vessel was designed for dredging tasks and was notable for its composite construction. It was acquired by the Canadian Department of Public Works in 1909 and renamed P.W.D. 117.
History
On her maiden voyage in October 1902, the vessel suffered a significant incident when it broke its boom and sank off Port Hope in 65 feet of water. It was salvaged and rebuilt at Polson Iron Works before reentering service, primarily operating out of Port Stanley and often attended by the tug Hercules.
Significant Incidents
- October 1902: Maiden voyage incident leading to sinking and subsequent salvage.
- May 29, 1952: Sinking due to mechanical failure while dredging near the west breakwater at Port Stanley harbor, resulting in two fatalities.
Final Disposition
After the sinking in 1952, multiple salvage attempts were made but failed. The vessel’s enrollment was officially closed in January 1954. While many metal components have been removed, buried remains of the composite hull persist at the scuttled site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in shallow harbor water, providing opportunities for divers to explore the remnants of early 20th-century dredging technology. The site is of historical and archaeological significance, reflecting the industrial heritage of the time.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”p-w-d-117-sir-wilfrid” title=”References & Links”]
The P.W.D. 117 represents a significant piece of underwater industrial heritage, with its sinking and salvage reflecting the resilience of early 20th-century engineering. The wreck site offers valuable insights into the construction and operation of dredging vessels of that era.
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.
Identification & Construction
- Origin: Built in 1902 by Polson Iron Works, Toronto, originally named Sir Wilfrid
- Official Number: C112186
- Type: Composite dredge barge (~108 × 37 ft, 670 gross / 570 net tons)
- Ownership: Acquired and renamed in 1909 by the Canadian Department of Public Works (P.W.D.)
Operational History & Notable Event
- In October 1902, on her maiden voyage to Montreal, she broke her boom, sank in 65 ft of water off Port Hope, and was later salvaged and rebuilt at Polson Iron Works (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- Reentered service, operating out of Port Stanley and usually attended by the tug Hercules.
Final Incident & Sinking (May 29, 1952)
- On May 29, while dredging near the west breakwater (“Lighthouse Pier”) at Port Stanley harbor, a brake on her dredge equipment failed, crashing through the hull.
- This caused rapid flooding, and she foundered in 8–10 ft of water, sinking alongside the breakwater (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- The sinking claimed 2 of 12 crew members: veteran skipper Capt. John Howell (age 68) and a young fireman’s helper from New Brunswick (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Aftermath & Wreck Site
- Multiple salvage attempts failed, and her enrollment was officially closed in January 1954 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- While the metal components have largely been removed, buried remains of the composite hull persist at the scuttled site (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Historical & Archaeological Significance
- As the largest dredge of its time in Canada, its 1902 sinking and salvage reflect early 20th-century industrial resilience (Ships Database).
- The 1952 accident exemplifies mechanical failure risks in dredging operations near harbor infrastructure.
- The wreck still lies in shallow harbor water, offering valuable insights into composite construction and dredge technology of the early 1900s.
Gaps & Recommended Research
| Area | Research Focus |
|---|---|
| Crew list and accident investigation | Obtain Department of Public Works reports, crew rosters, and coroner records |
| Salvage documentation | Access Port Stanley harbor logs, salvage contractor filings, and local municipal records |
| Wreck mapping and site assessment | Commission a marine survey or diver-led documentation of the remaining wreck structures |
Conclusion
P.W.D. 117 was a major composite dredge built by Polson Iron Works in 1902, later repurposed by Canadian Public Works. She foundered on May 29, 1952, after catastrophic mechanical failure in Port Stanley harbor, resulting in two fatalities. The site’s remnants persist and represent a rare underwater industrial heritage asset.
- Drafting archival requests for accident and crew records?
- Locating technical and salvage documentation from Port Stanley archives?
- Outlining a marine survey plan (mapping, videography, preservation status)?