Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown 3
- Type: Flat-bottomed scow
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: 63 ft long × 14 ft wide
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario (scuttled “graveyard” area)
- Original Owners: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Flat-bottomed scow, constructed of wood, with an estimated length of 63 feet and a width of 14 feet.
Description
Description
The hull of the Unknown 3 is intact but stripped, likely prior to its scuttling. It is positioned in shallow water and appears to have been deliberately sunk, a common preservation tactic in heritage conservation or yard cleanup. The surrounding environment includes other scuttled vessels and shoreline debris, with the hull possibly partially buried under silt, but visible frames and bulkheads are accessible.
History
History
The construction date of the Unknown 3 is not determined, and it has no known name or official registry. Its dimensions suggest it may have been used as a canal scow for low-value bulk material in the early 20th century. The absence of registration plates indicates it was likely abandoned or decommissioned locally.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on July 20, 1937.
- No visible ballast or cargo remains, and the lack of marine growth suggests it was sunk recently, within the last 20-50 years.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Unknown 3 remains in its scuttled position in the graveyard area of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Its condition is stable, with the hull intact but stripped.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible for diving, with visible frames and bulkheads. The surrounding area may contain silt, but the structure is largely intact.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unknown-3-flat-scow” title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Unknown 3 offers a unique opportunity for divers and researchers interested in maritime archaeology and the history of canal scows in the Great Lakes region.
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
- Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario (scuttled “graveyard” area)
- Type: Flat-bottomed scow
- Estimated Dimensions: 63 ft long × 14 ft wide
- Build: Wooden
- Origin: Unknown — no name or official registry attached
- Construction Date: Not Determined (n.d.)
Site Details & Condition
- The hull is intact but stripped (likely stripped prior to scuttling).
- Positioned in shallow water, appearing to have been deliberately sunk—a preservation tactic common in heritage conservation or yard cleanup.
- Surrounding environment includes other scuttled vessels and shoreline debris; the hull may be partially buried under silt, but visible frames and bulkheads are accessible.
Archaeological Observations
- Construction Features: Carvel planking with oak framing; beam measurement taken from exposed rib spacing.
- Scuttling Notes: No marine growth suggests recent sinking (within last 20–50 years). No visible ballast or cargo remains.
- Potential Origin Clues: Dimensions fit early-20th-century canal scows used for low-value bulk material; absence of registration plates indicates likely abandoned or decommissioned locally.
Next-Step Recommendations
- Conduct photogrammetric documentation to capture hull shape, frame spacing, and fastener types for comparative analysis.
- Retrieve wood samples for dendrochronology—useful for dating construction and comparing with local sawmill records.
- Seek local boatyard archives or municipal records to match vessel dimensions with yard-built scows (e.g., ropewalk yard, 1920–1950).
- Carefully excavate near timber hull areas to look for artifacts or embedded metal fittings that might aid in identification.
- Coordinate with local historical societies to investigate possible scow scrapping events.