Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown 15
- Type: Flat-bottomed wooden scow (dumb barge)
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown — no registry or builder plaque recovered
- Dimensions: Approx. 86 ft long × 33 ft beam
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 10 m / 33 ft
- Location: Thunder Bay “ship graveyard,” off Mission Island
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Flat-bottomed wooden scow, also known as a dumb barge, designed for heavy spoil or cargo transport.
Description
Description
The Unknown 15 is a flat-bottomed wooden scow, approximately 86 feet long and 33 feet wide. It is constructed of wood and has been deliberately scuttled as part of harbor clearance efforts in the early to mid-20th century.
History
History
Flat scows like Unknown 15 were integral to dredging, harbor construction, and industrial transport on the Great Lakes. They were typically scuttled when obsolete, particularly following the advent of steel and mechanized fleets. This vessel’s preservation offers a rare glimpse into mid-1900s industrial maritime lifecycles.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Deliberately scuttled as part of early-to-mid 20th century harbor clearance efforts.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Unknown 15 was scuttled in Thunder Bay, contributing to the ship graveyard off Mission Island. Its hull remains upright with the lower structure intact, while upper structures have been stripped or collapsed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The hull of the Unknown 15 is upright and in relatively good condition, with cold freshwater conditions aiding in timber preservation despite the loss of upper structures. The site is accessible for diving, with depths estimated between 10 to 18 meters (33 to 60 feet).
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unknown-15-flat-scow” title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
Investigating the Unknown 15 could reveal valuable insights into early 20th-century maritime infrastructure and harbor maintenance practices. Future research may include photogrammetry, timber sampling, and archival reviews to better understand its historical significance.
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 15 (per Thunder Bay wreck logs)
- Type: Flat-bottomed wooden scow (dumb barge)
- Construction Date: Not determined (n.d.)
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: Approx. 86 ft long × 33 ft beam
- Builder/Origin: Unknown — no registry or builder plaque recovered
Wreck Site & Disposition
- Location: Thunder Bay “ship graveyard,” off Mission Island, Lake Superior
- Depth: Estimated 10–18 m (33–60 ft) — standard depth of the scuttled vessel area
- Disposition: Deliberately scuttled as part of early-to-mid 20th century harbor clearance efforts
(academia.edu, nmsthunderbay.blob.core.windows.net)
Structural Features & Condition
- Hull Preservation: Upright with lower hull intact; upper structures stripped or collapsed
- Design Indicators: Reinforced framing and broad flat bottom suggest capacity for heavy spoil or cargo
- Hardware State: Fasteners likely buried; no visible markings on hull or bulkheads yet
- Environmental Context: Cold freshwater fosters good timber preservation despite structural removal
Research Potential & Next Steps
| Objective | Proposed Action |
|---|---|
| Photogrammetry | Create a 3D record of hull shape, frame construction, and plank patterns |
| Timber Sampling | Use dendrochronology to estimate build age and wood sourcing |
| Hardware Analysis | Investigate any surviving fasteners for maker’s marks and date clues |
| Archive Review | Search Thunder Bay/Port Arthur harbor logs (1900–1950) for scow specs matching hull dimensions |
| Comparative Study | Compare with regional scow plans to contextualize construction style and usage |
Historical & Archaeological Significance
Flat scows like Unknown 15 were integral to dredging, harbor construction, and industrial transport on the Great Lakes. As working barges with no onboard propulsion, they were typically scuttled when obsolete following the advent of steel and mechanized fleets. This vessel’s preservation offers a rare glimpse into mid-1900s industrial maritime lifecycles. Investigating her construction and archival background could reveal valuable insights into early 20th-century maritime infrastructure and harbor maintenance practices.
unknown-15-flat-scow 1936-07-20 23:54:00