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