Dertona

Dertona is a Supple and Ballin-type wooden cargo vessel built for the U.S. Emergency Fleet in a massive shipbuilding effort between 1917-1919 as part of America’s engagement in World War I. Like many of the shipwrecks within Mallows Bay, Dertona was brought to its current location in the 1920’s for salvage.

Dertona is now part of a group of three shipwrecks called “The Three Sisters,” within Mallows Bay. “The Three Sisters” include the sites of Dertona, Moosabee, and an unidentified wreck. Dertona lies roughly parallel to the shore and the stern of the vessel is aground on the beach. The hull of Dertona is in a good state of preservation and is overgrown with vegetation.

Main deck view of wooden ship construction, vessel unidentified, at Supple and Ballin Shipbuilding Corporation, July 13, 1917. (Source: National Archives).

Wooden ship construction for the United States Shipping Board at Supple and Ballin Shipbuilding Corporation, August 15, 1917. (Source: National Archives).

Wooden ship construction at Supple and Ballin Shipbuilding Corporation, July 31, 1918. (Source: National Archives).

Moosabee and Dertona, two of the "Three Sisters" wrecks (lower left hand corner of the image), located in Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. (Photo: Tyler Smith/NOAA).

Dertona is positioned at the top of the image and is parallel with the shore. (Photo: Kevin Olson)

Getting There:

Mallows Bay Park

1440 Wilson Landing Road Nanjemoy, MD 20662
(301) 932-3470
Get Directions

AMENITIES:
Include a boat ramp, soft launch, portable toilets, parking, walking trail, interpretive signs, and picnic area.

HOURS:
The park is open daily from 5:30 am to sunset.

Dertona Images

Getting There:

Mallows Bay Park