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Debris Field
There are a number of unidentified items scattered around the site. These items are assumed to be deck and other equipment associated with this type of ship. We believe we have identified a number of these objects as outlined in the picture gallery. If anyone can identify any of these items it would help in the researching of this wreck. Assistance identifying or explaining any of these items or answering the Questions listed below would be greatly appreciated. Statistics:
Overall Length
----------- About 150' Pictures: Bow To Boiler Area
Boiler To Engine Area
Spool Area Synopsis: Taking into account these wrecks, their debris and cargo get scattered a bit by storms we believe the wreck is laid out on the bottom as if the ship was in tact and upright after sinking to the bottom. Therefore some of the conclusions we make about the these items are based on this premise. Example the item we refer to as the windless is in the bow area and the tiller is near mid ship aft of the boilers. The beam on the spool and cantilever beams, 24 foot, equates to the measured overall length of about 150 foot. Add a few feet to the cantilever beams beam for gunwale structure and you fine that we are looking at a very common size stern paddlewheel ship built in the 1800s (30' X 150'). Most all the bricks are concentrated under or very near the boilers. Only a hand full of shattered bricks are found on the starboard side aft of the boilers. Taking into account these wrecks, their debris and cargo get scattered a bit by storms. Type Of Ship: If our current assumptions are correct its is because they are primary based on that idea that we are working with a stern paddlewheel. Example: The tillers on these types of ships where easily five to six foot in diameter and would like be found just forward of mid ship. Also look at the picture of an actual steamship windless and imagine the steel superstructure that would support its wood exterior. Then look at the picture of the item we are assuming is the windless. Cargo: Nothing in the debris field has been found to suggest its cargo. Extensive searches beyond the actual wreck have not been made yet but it is unlikely these searches would lead to the discovery of any cargo. However, we have found some unidentified objects off the bow so we can assume there is more debris out there. Sinking Date: Nothing in this area has helped to determine the sinking date. It does appear to be substantial deteriorated with only super structure steel remaining, thus indicating its been submerged for quite some time. Cause Of Sinking: Nothing in this area has helped to determine the cause of sinking. How It Sank: This areas current condition supports the idea it sank to the bottom mostly in tact and in an upright position. We cannot come up with a upside-down scenario that results in the boilers being on top of the furnaces fire brick. We do not find brick brick lying between the boilers. This would be highly unlikely if the furnace and it's brick were to have collapsed on top of the boilers. In addition the steam tubes attachment points are found on top of the boilers and lying in tact near by. 1. Can you identify or have any suggestions about any of the items pictured above? 2. We have identified one item as the tiller wheel. Could this be the case? 3. We have identified two items as possibly being the windlasses or sometimes referred to as doctors pumps. Could this be the case or are they likely something else? |
