Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown 18
- Type: Derrick scow
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Approximately 98 ft long × 28 ft beam
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 10 m / 33 ft
- Location: Thunder Bay scuttled vessel area, Mission Island, Lake Superior
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Derrick scow — a specialized barge equipped with a lifting derrick.
Description
The Unknown 18 is a wooden derrick scow, approximately 98 feet long with a 28-foot beam. It is characterized by its flat-bottomed hull and reinforced hold framing designed to support heavy lifting equipment.
History
Unknown 18 was deliberately scuttled as part of harbor clearance or obsolescence practices in the early to mid-20th century. Its presence in Thunder Bay reflects the industrial heritage and disposal methods of early 20th-century harbor authorities.
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled as part of harbor clearance efforts.
Final Disposition
The vessel is upright and partially buried in sediment. The hull is largely intact below the waterline, while the superstructure is stripped or decayed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Cold, fresh water has preserved large structural timbers, although the upper structure may be too deteriorated for digital reconstruction.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unknown-18-derrick-scow” title=”References & Links”]
Derrick scows like Unknown 18 played critical roles in harbor construction, salvage operations, and marine engineering tasks, offering a rare opportunity to study maritime engineering beyond typical cargo or passenger vessels.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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