Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown 4
- Type: Dump scow
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: 78 ft (23.77 m); 14.5 ft; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Dump scows, also known as clutter barges, are utility vessels designed for carrying dredged material or debris.
Description
Description
This hull is relatively intact, with bow and stern framing providing good structure for mapping. Wooden scuppers are evident along the sides, common in scows designed for dredging operations. The vessel is positioned upright in shallow water and is likely scuttled intentionally as part of historical harbor clearance.
History
History
The construction date of this dump scow is not determined, but it is suggested that the hull construction features mortise-and-tenon plank joints, possibly indicating early 20th-century origins. The absence of deck structures and the hull rib structure suggest mid-1900s construction. Evidence of internal charring near midships may indicate post-scuttling burning, potentially linked to harbor removal techniques.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Scuttled as part of historical harbor clearance.
- Possible post-scuttling burning indicated by internal charring.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The scow remains in situ, providing an opportunity for archaeological study and documentation of early-to-mid 20th-century utility vessels.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The hull is relatively intact, allowing for mapping and study. It is accessible in shallow water, making it a suitable site for divers interested in maritime archaeology.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unknown-4-dump-scow” title=”References & Links”]
Summary & Significance
These two unregistered wooden scows represent a neglected segment of maritime history—utility vessels used for local harbor maintenance or dredging operations. Their scuttled graves off Thunder Bay offer an opportunity to study practical working craft of the early-to-mid 20th century, rather than commercial sailing vessels. Though they remain undocumented, disciplined documentation can provide insight into regional industrial practices and the lifecycle of utility hulls.
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 (adjacent to scuttled graveyard)
- Type: Dump scow / clutter barge
- Estimated Dimensions: 78 ft long × 14.5 ft wide
- Build: Wooden
- Origin: Unknown — no registry or name visible
- Construction Date: Not Determined (n.d.)
Site Details & Condition
- This hull is relatively intact, with bow and stern framing intact, providing good structure for mapping.
- Wooden scuppers are evident along the side—common in scows designed to carry dredged material or debris.
- Positioned upright in shallow water; likely scuttled intentionally as part of historical harbor clearance.
Archaeological Observations
- Hull Construction: Mortise-and-tenon plank joints, possibly early 20th century.
- Identifying Details: No deck structures remain; hull rib structure suggests mid-1900s construction.
- Evidence of internal charring near midships suggests possible post-scuttling burning—could be linked to harbor removal techniques.
Next-Step Recommendations
- Collect detailed hull measurements and create CAD models to compare with known local dump scow types.
- Sample wood for dating (dendrochronology) to narrow down construction period.
- Explore municipal dredging logs (1930s–1970s) for records of scow decommissioning events in Thunder Bay.
- Look for embedded hardware (bolts, fittings) that may bear maker’s marks.
- Coordinate with regional archives (e.g., City of Thunder Bay Archives) for vendor or shipyard sale records that match dimensions.
Summary & Significance
These two unregistered, wooden scows represent a neglected segment of maritime history—utility vessels used for local harbor maintenance or dredging operations. Their scuttled graves off Thunder Bay offer an opportunity to study practical working craft of the early-to-mid 20th century, rather than commercial sailing vessels. Though they remain undocumented, disciplined documentation can provide insight into regional industrial practices and the lifecycle of utility hulls.
unknown-4-dump-scow 1937-07-20 20:30:00