Site Identification
- Derelict ID: Unknown 16
- Vessel Type: Dipper Dredge (mechanical excavator Barge)
- Construction Date: Not determined (n.d.)
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: Approx. 53.5 ft × 20 ft
- Builder/Origin: Unknown — no registry, no visible marking or builder plaque
Wreck Site & Disposition
- Location: Thunder Bay “ship graveyard”, off Mission Island, Lake Superior
- Depth: Estimated 10–18 m (33–60 ft) — consistent with other vessels in the scuttled fleet
- Disposition: Deliberately scuttled following abandonment or obsolete disposal of harbor maintenance vessels
Structural Description & Condition
- The Hull is upright and partially embedded in sediment
- Lower Hull framing and flat bottom remain intact; Deck machinery and superstructure have been removed or decayed
- Likely remnants of dipper crane foundations visible; framing appears reinforced for heavy loads
Research Potential & Next Steps
| Objective | Proposed Action |
|---|---|
| 3D Documentation | Carry out photogrammetry surveys to record Hull dimensions and dipping mechanisms |
| Timber Sampling & Dating | Extract core samples for dendrochronological dating and identification of wood species |
| Archival Research | Check regional Douglas County and Port Arthur drilling logs for launch and procurement details |
| Hardware Examination | Examine bolts and fittings for maker’s marks or date stamps |
| Comparative Analysis | Cross-reference with known Dredge plans and dimensions from early 20th-century Dredge fleets |
Significance
Unknown 16 represents a rare surviving example of industrial dredging technology from the Great Lakes region’s maritime infrastructure heritage. Its presence in the Thunder Bay scuttled fleet underscores the evolution of harbor engineering and vessel disposal practices. Investigating her build and origins can enrich understanding of pre-steel Dredge design and early 20th-century harbor modernization.