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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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