Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: THAMES NO. 1
- Type: Scow Hopper-Barge, Crane-Equipped
- Year Built: 1930
- Builder: Amsbridge, Pennsylvania
- Dimensions: Length: 175 ft (53.34 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.92 m); Depth: 10 ft (3.05 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 548 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 7.62 m / 25 ft
- Location: Off Canadian Rock Salt Co., Ojibway (Windsor), Ontario
- Official Number: 272214
- Original Owners: Detroit Marine Disposal
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The THAMES NO. 1 was a scow hopper-barge designed for heavy industrial use, equipped with a crane for loading and unloading materials. Scow barges are flat-bottomed vessels commonly used in construction, dredging, and land reclamation projects, particularly in shallow or sheltered waters like those of the Detroit River.
Description
Built in 1930 in Amsbridge, Pennsylvania, the THAMES NO. 1 was a robust barge designed for heavy-duty construction and disposal operations. With a length of 175 feet and a beam of 26 feet, she was capable of carrying large loads of fill material, debris, or equipment. Her design included a hopper-style hold, which allowed for easy dumping of bulk materials, and she was equipped with a large crane to assist in lifting heavy cargo.
The barge was owned by Detroit Marine Disposal, a company specializing in marine construction and waste management along the Detroit River and surrounding waterways.
History
During the mid-20th century, the THAMES NO. 1 served as a workhorse barge, supporting industrial projects in the busy maritime corridor of the Detroit River. This period was marked by significant development along the Canadian and American shorelines, including land reclamation projects, dock construction, and dredging operations to maintain navigational channels.
At the time of her loss, THAMES NO. 1 was engaged in a land reclamation project around Ojibway, part of Windsor, Ontario. The area was undergoing industrial expansion, with companies like the Canadian Rock Salt Co. playing key roles in the region’s economic activity.
Significant Incidents
- Date Lost: March 3, 1959
- Cause: Sank while under tow
- Loss of Life: None reported
Final Disposition
- Declared a Total Loss: March 3, 1959
- Cause of Loss: Sank while under tow
- Location: Ojibway, Windsor, Ontario, near Canadian Rock Salt Co.
- Depth: Approximately 25 feet (7.62 m). The wreck likely remains partially buried in river sediment, posing minimal navigational hazard due to its location near industrial docks and reclaimed land.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Given its shallow resting depth, the wreck may still be present, though covered by sediment or incorporated into subsequent land reclamation efforts. No official recovery or wreck discovery has been reported.
Resources & Links
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The sinking of the THAMES NO. 1 highlights the risks faced by industrial support vessels working in the Great Lakes region, even during routine operations. While not as historically significant as passenger ships or wartime vessels, barges like the THAMES NO. 1 were vital to the economic development of waterfront communities along the Detroit River.
Her story serves as a reminder of the many unsung vessels that quietly contributed to the growth of the Great Lakes maritime industry, only to meet their end through the hazards of heavy labor and unforgiving waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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