Aowa was built in 1918 by the Johnson Shipyard Company, of New York, New York, for the United States Shipping Board. Aowa was a Ferris-type built wooden vessel, with a single screw. The vessel was scheduled to be part of the celebrated “Tidal Wave” of national ships launching on July 4, 1918, but was delayed due to labor and material shortages at the yard. Aowa did not take part in any war time service and ultimately was brought to Mallows Bay, Maryland, and has been in its present location since at least 1929.
Aowa now sits within Mallows Bay - Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. The shipwreck is considered to be among the best preserved wooden steamship wrecks in the sanctuary, but due to its position on the outer tier of hulks, exposed to frequently turbulent water conditions, and submersion during high tide, it is one of the most difficult to access. Model by Allyson Ropp/NOAA.
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