Identification & Construction
- Origin: Built in 1902 by Polson Iron Works, Toronto, originally named Sir Wilfrid
- Official Number: C112186
- Type: Composite Dredge Barge (~108 × 37 ft, 670 gross / 570 net tons)
- Ownership: Acquired and renamed in 1909 by the Canadian Department of Public Works (P.W.D.)
Operational History & Notable Event
- In October 1902, on her maiden voyage to Montreal, she broke her boom, sank in 65 ft of water off Port Hope, and was later salvaged and Rebuilt at Polson Iron Works (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- Reentered service, operating out of Port Stanley and usually attended by the Tug Hercules.
Final Incident & Sinking (May 29, 1952)
- On May 29, while dredging near the west Breakwater (“Lighthouse Pier”) at Port Stanley harbor, a brake on her Dredge equipment failed, crashing through the Hull.
- This caused rapid flooding, and she Foundered in 8–10 ft of water, sinking alongside the Breakwater (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- The sinking claimed 2 of 12 crew members: veteran skipper Capt. John Howell (age 68) and a young fireman’s helper from New Brunswick (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Aftermath & Wreck Site
- Multiple salvage attempts failed, and her enrollment was officially closed in January 1954 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- While the metal components have largely been removed, buried remains of the composite Hull persist at the scuttled site (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Historical & Archaeological Significance
- As the largest Dredge of its time in Canada, its 1902 sinking and salvage reflect early 20th-century industrial resilience (Ships Database).
- The 1952 accident exemplifies mechanical failure risks in dredging operations near harbor infrastructure.
- The wreck still lies in shallow harbor water, offering valuable insights into composite construction and Dredge technology of the early 1900s.
Gaps & Recommended Research
| Area | Research Focus |
|---|---|
| Crew list and accident investigation | Obtain Department of Public Works reports, crew rosters, and coroner records |
| Salvage documentation | Access Port Stanley harbor logs, salvage contractor filings, and local municipal records |
| Wreck mapping and site assessment | Commission a marine survey or diver-led documentation of the remaining wreck structures |
Conclusion
P.W.D. 117 was a major composite Dredge built by Polson Iron Works in 1902, later repurposed by Canadian Public Works. She Foundered on May 29, 1952, after catastrophic mechanical failure in Port Stanley harbor, resulting in two fatalities. The site’s remnants persist and represent a rare underwater industrial heritage asset.
- Drafting archival requests for accident and crew records?
- Locating technical and salvage documentation from Port Stanley archives?
- Outlining a marine survey plan (mapping, videography, preservation status)?