Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown 14
- Type: Flat-bottomed scow (dumb barge)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approx. 100 ft × 28 ft
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 10 m / 33 ft
- Location: Thunder Bay, Lake Superior
- Original Owners: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Flat-bottomed scow (dumb barge)
Description
Description
The Unknown 14 is a wooden-hulled flat-bottomed scow, approximately 100 feet long and 28 feet wide. It is currently in an upright position, partially embedded in lakebed sediment, with its lower hull preserved while the upper structures have either been removed or deteriorated.
History
History
The construction date of the Unknown 14 is not determined, and there is no known registry, builder, or service history. It was deliberately sunk as part of a harbor clearance or vessel disposal program in the early to mid-20th century, contributing to the ship graveyard just offshore Mission Island in Thunder Bay.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Deliberately scuttled as part of a harbor clearance program.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The vessel was scuttled in Thunder Bay, contributing to a graveyard of working craft. Its preservation is aided by cold freshwater conditions, with no recent structural collapse detected.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Unknown 14 is accessible for diving, with an estimated depth between 10 to 18 meters (33 to 60 feet). The cold freshwater environment promotes good wood preservation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unknown-14-flat-scow” title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Unknown 14 serves as a significant artifact of Great Lakes maritime commerce, representing the industrial use of flat scows for transporting dredged materials. Its study could enhance understanding of early 20th-century harbor operations and vessel disposal practices.
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.
Site Identification
- Derelict ID: Unknown 14 (per diving and wreck documentation in Thunder Bay)
- Vessel Type: Flat-bottomed scow (dumb barge)
- Construction Date: Not determined (n.d.)
- Material: Wooden hull
- Dimensions: Approx. 100 ft long × 28 ft beam
- Origin: Unknown—no registry, builder, or service history currently identified
Location & Disposition
- Wreck Site: Scuttled in Thunder Bay “ship graveyard” just offshore Mission Island on Lake Superior
- Depth: Estimated between 10–18 m (33–60 ft), typical for the scuttled vessel zone
- Disposition: Deliberately sunk as part of early- to mid-20th-century harbor clearance or vessel disposal program (“graveyard” of working craft)
(Academia, Wikipedia)
Structural Description & Condition
- Hull Condition:
- Upright position, partially embedded in lakebed sediment
- Lower hull preserved; upper structures removed or deteriorated
- Key Features:
- Reinforced framing and floor timbers—designed for heavy cargo loads
- Box-like hull shape with flat bottom, typical of industrial scows used for dredged material or spoil
- Preservation: Cold freshwater promotes good wood preservation; no recent structural collapse detected
Archaeological Potential & Next Steps
| Objective | Proposed Activities |
|---|---|
| Dimension & Construction Documentation | Use side-scan sonar and diver photogrammetry to capture structural profiles and frame architecture |
| Dendrochronology & Wood Analysis | Sample timbers to estimate age and determine regional timber species |
| Archival Correlation | Search Thunder Bay / Port Arthur harbor and salvage logs (1900–1950) for dump scow specifications matching this hull |
| Hardware Identification | Examine fasteners (nails, bolts) for maker’s stamps or manufacturing patterns |
| Comparative Study | Contrast with known Great Lakes scow dimensions (e.g., 130-ft variant noted in NOAA site lists) (Wikipedia, Academia) |
Historical & Archaeological Significance
Unknown 14 symbolizes the functional artisans of Great Lakes maritime commerce—flat scows that transported dredge spoil, gravel, or construction material. Often overlooked, these workboats are vital to understanding industrial lake infrastructure. With its stout framing and significant load capacity, this preserved scow offers rare insight into early 20th-century harbor operations and vessel disposal practices. Detailed study could deepen our understanding of harbor dredging history, regional timber sourcing, and working vessel construction standards in the region.
unknown-14-flat-scow 1936-07-20 23:41:00