JE Boyden
Overview
This target has been classified as a wood shipwreck, resting in 40 feet of water and measuring roughly 90 feet by 18 feet. The shipwreck rests upright on the lakebed, with much of the wooden hull and deck structure still intact and several areas opened or deteriorated enough to expose the interior. Visible features include outer hull planking, deck planking, several rectangular deck openings, exposed internal framing, and a prominent H-shaped timber bitt consisting of two upright posts joined by a heavy crosspiece. The wreck has been identified as the J.E. Boyden.
Previously, Coastal Sensing & Survey had classified this target as LU42. Described as the wreck of the J.E. Boyden. DCS Films had classified this target as the J.E. Boyden. Described as a wooden tug measuring approximately 85 feet long with a 19-foot beam. Lake Union Virtual Museum had classified this target as the J.E. Boyden. Described as a wooden tug, with documentation noting painted name lettering on the hull and an H-shaped timber bitt associated with the vessel’s towing equipment.
The J.E. Boyden was built in Seattle in 1888 and operated as a wooden steam tug. During its working life, the tug was used to tow sailing vessels, barges, and other maritime traffic throughout the region. The vessel transported or towed materials including coal, lumber, ore, railcars, and log booms. The J.E. Boyden remained in service for several decades before being abandoned in Lake Union in 1935. Its exact date of sinking is not presently known, though likely to be in 1935. Shipwreck City is actively researching this vessel's history and will provide more details as we learn more.
Links & Resources
Coastal Sensing & Survey: https://www.coastalsensing.com/survey-target-logs-lake-union/tag/LU42
DCS Films: http://www.dcsfilms.com/Site_4/JE_Boyden.html
Lake Union Virtual Museum: http://www.lakeunionhistory.org/Boyden.html
