SHIPWRECK REPORT: UNKNOWN VESSEL

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Unknown

• Type: Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed with steel

• Feature Type: Visible wreck

• Location:

• Latitude (NAD 83): 46.604458° N

• Longitude (NAD 83): -90.947119° W

• Surveyed Position: 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, 90° 56′ 48.96″ W

• Depth:

• Height Above Bottom: 6 feet (Lowest Water Depth, 1985)

• Initially recorded as 4 feet above the bottom (1978-1980 survey).

• Orientation: NW-SE

• Dimensions:

• Approximate length: 30 feet

• Hull material: Wooden, with steel sheathing

HISTORY

Initial Discovery (1978-1980):

• Survey Details:

• Classified as Class 1, indicating a visible wreck feature.

• Recorded height was 4 feet, with its position scaled at 1:15,000.

• Location: LAT 46° 36′ 14.50″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 47.80″ W.

Subsequent Surveys (1983):

• Visibility confirmed during another survey with a recorded height of 7.9 feet at LWD.

• Position: LAT 46° 36′ 16″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 49″ W.

• Described as a wooden vessel, approximately 50 feet long.

Reevaluation (1984-1985):

• The 1983 position was discredited by a hydrographic evaluator.

• Final location determined to be:

• LAT 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 48.96″ W.

• Height measured at 6 feet at LWD.

• Vessel identified as a smaller sailing vessel, with a length of 30 feet.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

• Construction: Wooden Hull sheathed with steel.

• Condition: Wreck is well-preserved in shallow water.

• Orientation: Lying NW-SE, indicating it may have been positioned by currents or wind during sinking.

CURRENT STATUS

• Visibility:

• Wreck is visible in shallow water, particularly at low water levels.

• Hazards:

• The wreck’s proximity to the water’s surface makes it a potential navigation hazard.

• Mariners are advised to exercise caution when traversing the area.

• Charting Status:

• Hydrographer recommended marking this wreck as a visible feature on navigation charts.

NAVIGATION CONSIDERATIONS

• Recommendations:

• Avoid the location when navigating nearshore.

• Consult updated nautical charts that highlight the wreck’s position and Visibility.

NEAREST CITY

• Ashland, Wisconsin, located along the southern shore of Lake Superior.

SIGNIFICANCE

This wreck, while its history and origin remain unknown, provides valuable insight into smaller wooden vessels that once navigated the Great Lakes. Its preservation and Visibility make it a point of interest for divers, maritime historians, and navigation safety efforts.

REFERENCES

• NOAA Hydrographic Surveys (1978-1985)

• Marine Safety Manual (MSM)

• Navigation and Safety Charts

CONCLUSION

The wreck near 46.604458° N, -90.947119° W in Lake Superior is a visible hazard, offering both navigational challenges and historical intrigue. Further exploration and documentation could provide insights into its origin and purpose, contributing to the broader narrative of maritime activity in the region.

KEYWORDS

#Shipwreck #LakeSuperior #VisibleWreck #NavigationHazard #MaritimeHistory