Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Red Fox
- Type: Fishing tug
- Year Built: 1903
- Builder: Goderich, Ontario
- Dimensions: 69 ft (21 m) X 15 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 50-80 GT
- Location: Thunder Bay Dump Site
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Red Fox is classified as a fishing tug, designed to support commercial fishing operations on Lake Huron.
Description
Built in 1903, the Red Fox features a wooden hull and was approximately 69 feet long and 15 feet wide. It served the fishing fleets in the region before its decommissioning.
History
The Red Fox was constructed in Goderich, Ontario, and primarily operated in support of commercial fishing activities on Lake Huron. It was eventually scuttled in the Thunder Bay dump site during harbor upgrading efforts.
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled in Thunder Bay dump site during harbor upgrading.
Final Disposition
The Red Fox was decommissioned and subsequently scuttled, representing a significant aspect of the maritime heritage related to fishing tug designs and wooden hull traditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is located in a designated dump area. Further investigation is needed to assess its state and archaeological significance.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”red-fox-1903″ title=”References & Links”]
The Red Fox serves as a historical reminder of early 20th-century fishing practices and vessel design, contributing to the maritime narrative of the Great Lakes region.
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.
Registry & Technical Specifications
- Built: 1903, Goderich, Ontario (wooden hull, ~69 × 15 ft)
- Type: Fishing tug
- Final Location – Thunder Bay Dump Site
- Estimated Tonnage: 50–80 GT
- Registry Port: Goderich, ON
- Action: Submitting requests to:
- Goderich municipal archives / provincial vessel registry
- Shipping registry for fisheries support crafts (1903 onward)
Archival Newspaper Search Plan
Search keywords:
"Red Fox" fishing tug Goderich 1903 launched"Red Fox" fishing tug operations Lake Huron"Red Fox" wreck Thunder Bay
Suggested Newspapers:
- Goderich Signal-Star / Bluewater News (1903–1920)
- Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal for site/dumping mention
Dive‑Site Documentation
- Identify site in sanctuary dump area, request NOAA/Parks Canada data:
- Derelict site ID and position/depth
- ROV or diver images showing hull condition, fishing rig features
- Condition summary for archaeology reference
Heritage Narrative Framework
- Launch & Purpose: Built in Goderich, served fishing fleets
- Harbor Operations: Supported commercial fishing on Lake Huron
- Decommission & Dump: Scuttled in Thunder Bay dump during harbor upgrading
- Preservation Value: Represents fishing tug designs, wooden hull tradition