Site Identification
- Derelict ID: Unknown 14 (per diving and wreck documentation in Thunder Bay)
- Vessel Type: Flat-bottomed scow (dumb Barge)
- Construction Date: Not determined (n.d.)
- Material: Wooden Hull
- Dimensions: Approx. 100 ft long × 28 ft beam
- Origin: Unknown—no registry, builder, or service history currently identified
Location & Disposition
- Wreck Site: Scuttled in Thunder Bay “ship graveyard” just offshore Mission Island on Lake Superior
- Depth: Estimated between 10–18 m (33–60 ft), typical for the scuttled vessel zone
- Disposition: Deliberately sunk as part of early- to mid-20th-century harbor clearance or vessel disposal program (“graveyard” of working craft)
(Academia, Wikipedia)
Structural Description & Condition
- Hull Condition:
- Upright position, partially embedded in lakebed sediment
- Lower Hull preserved; upper structures removed or deteriorated
- Key Features:
- Reinforced framing and floor timbers—designed for heavy cargo loads
- Box-like Hull shape with flat bottom, typical of industrial scows used for dredged material or spoil
- Preservation: Cold freshwater promotes good wood preservation; no recent structural collapse detected
Archaeological Potential & Next Steps
| Objective | Proposed Activities |
|---|---|
| Dimension & Construction Documentation | Use side-scan sonar and diver photogrammetry to capture structural profiles and frame architecture |
| Dendrochronology & Wood Analysis | Sample timbers to estimate age and determine regional timber species |
| Archival Correlation | Search Thunder Bay / Port Arthur harbor and salvage logs (1900–1950) for dump scow specifications matching this Hull |
| Hardware Identification | Examine fasteners (nails, bolts) for maker’s stamps or manufacturing patterns |
| Comparative Study | Contrast with known Great Lakes scow dimensions (e.g., 130-ft variant noted in NOAA site lists) (Wikipedia, Academia) |
Historical & Archaeological Significance
Unknown 14 symbolizes the functional artisans of Great Lakes maritime commerce—flat scows that transported Dredge spoil, gravel, or construction material. Often overlooked, these workboats are vital to understanding industrial lake infrastructure. With its stout framing and significant load capacity, this preserved scow offers rare insight into early 20th-century harbor operations and vessel disposal practices. Detailed study could deepen our understanding of harbor dredging history, regional timber sourcing, and working vessel construction standards in the region.