Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unknown 19
• Type: Dump scow
• Year Built:
• Builder: Unknown
• Dimensions: Approximately 123 ft long × 23–28 ft beam
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 10 m / 33 ft
• Location: Thunder Bay, Mission Island area

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Dump scow (a barge used for dredged spoil or bulk waste)

Description

The hull remains upright and largely intact below the waterline; upper works removed or deteriorated. Heavy-duty framing and wide beam indicate capacity for substantial spoil loads. Wood planking and keel visible, though silt has partially buried the keel line. No visible hardware or markings, but iron fasteners are evident in the hull structure. Cold freshwater conditions maintain structural integrity, though exposed timbers show slight degradation.

History

Unknown 19 was deliberately scuttled during the early to mid-20th century as part of a harbor cleanup or decommissioning process. The construction date remains undetermined, and no registry plates, builder’s stamps, or nameboards have been observed.

Significant Incidents

• Scuttled during harbor cleanup or decommissioning process in the early to mid-20th century.

Final Disposition

The vessel was deliberately scuttled, contributing to the Thunder Bay ‘ship graveyard’ in Lake Superior.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is located at an estimated depth of 10–18 m (33–60 ft), consistent with other vessels in the scuttling zone. The hull is largely intact, providing opportunities for archaeological research.

Resources & Links

Unknown 19 serves as a significant artifact of industrial-era harbor maintenance, offering insights into the engineering practices and regional harbor infrastructure evolution of the early 20th century.