Identification & Site Information:
- • Name(s): Finn McCool
- • Registry: United States
- • Official Number: 169725
- • Vessel Type: Derrick Barge
- • Year Built: 1926
- • Year Sank: 1964
- • Hull Material: Wood
- • Engines: None
- • Dimensions:
- • Length: 135 ft (41.1 m)
- • Width: 34 ft (10.4 m)
- • Depth: 7.7 ft (2.3 m)
Vessel Type
The Finn McCool was a wooden derrick Barge, a specialized vessel equipped for lifting and construction operations, particularly in harbour and maritime settings. These barges often carried heavy equipment like winches and cranes for industrial tasks.
Description
Built in 1926, the Finn McCool served as a work vessel, playing a significant role in construction and other heavy-duty tasks on the Great Lakes. In 1964, the vessel was scuttled in Lake Superior, near Bayfield, Wisconsin, marking the end of its operational life. Scuttling was a common method of retiring vessels no longer viable for use.
Final Dispositions
The wreck of the Finn McCool lies in 20 ft (6.1 m) of water, near the shore of Lake Superior.
• The site has degraded significantly over the last 40 years due to environmental exposure.
• The Hull lies with its bow toward the shore, and much of the Deck and sides have collapsed.
• The blunt bow has collapsed and rests flat on the lakebed.
• Most of the winches remain in place, though at least one has fallen into the Bilge.
• The “X” cross beam supports running longitudinally inside the Hull remain mostly intact toward the Stern, providing insights into the vessel’s construction.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck has been documented by local diving communities and the Wisconsin Historical Society. It is part of Wisconsin’s rich maritime history and contributes to the understanding of work vessels on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & Advisories
The shallow depth makes the site accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers. However, the fragile state of the wreck requires care to avoid further degradation. Divers should follow legal and ethical guidelines prohibiting the removal of artifacts from the site.
Resources & Links
3D Model – Finn McCool
Finn McCool by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Finn McCool, Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Derrick Barge, Wisconsin Shipwrecks
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Work Vessels
Glossary: Derrick Barge, Winch, X Cross Beam, Scuttling, Bilge
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