Background Information (excerpt from Gilchrist 2019)

Scamp is a 78-foot (23.8 meters) shipwreck located in Paugus Bay.  This shipwreck, while not featured on the Bizer map until recently, has been known to local residents due to its relatively shallow depth (20 feet).  The shipwreck is also located on a rocky sloping area of the lake, making it a popular spot for fishing.  The Scamp is most likely a vessel scuttled by Irwin Marine using dynamite.  This is evident by the stern section of the ship having the appearance of being blown apart by a strong force.

 A 2018 survey of the shipwreck showed it to be in stable condition where it rests.  Downrigger wires and fishing lines were observed throughout the site, indicating that fishing activities have affected the shipwreck since it sank.  Some of the more notable debris observed were two downrigger weights (Figure 33) located within 20 feet of the shipwreck and a mushroom-shaped anchor wedged underneath a portion of the hull remains.  A fishing lure was also located attached to the main hull of the shipwreck.  A milk container was found affixed to the bow by a rope (most likely placed there by other divers or snorkelers to locate the shipwreck).  All these factors show that Scamp is in more danger than most other shipwrecks found on the lake due to the high level of fishing activity that has affected it and its relatively well-known location.  No loose artifacts were observed during the 2018 survey, indicating that any that were present on the shipwreck when it was scuttled have been looted.

Figure 1. 10 lb. Fish-shaped downrigger weight found on the Scamp during 2018 survey. (Image taken by author.)

Diving Information

GPS: N 43 35.264 W 71 28.216

Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)

Anchoring: GPS coordinates will take you to the center of the shipwreck, and a boat anchor can be placed nearby.