Identification & Site Information:

• Name(s): C. H. Conover, Industry
• Registry: US
• Official Number: 202323
• Vessel Type: Dredge Barge
• Builder: Empire Shipbuilding Co
• Place Built: Buffalo, New York
• Year Built: 1905
• Year Sank: 1953
• Hull Material: Steel
• Masts: None
• Engines: None

Dimensions:

• Length: 99.5 ft (30.33 m)
• Width: 30 ft (9.14 m)
• Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)

Vessel History:

The C. H. Conover, later renamed Industry, was a steel-hulled Dredge Barge built in 1905 by the Empire Shipbuilding Company in Buffalo, New York. It underwent multiple rebuilds during its operational life, reflecting its heavy use in dredging operations across the Great Lakes. The Barge eventually sank in 1953 under circumstances not fully documented but likely tied to operational hazards or accidental flooding typical for dredging vessels of its era. More details can be found in the following resource: Great Lakes Ships Database.

Wreck Site Information:

• Location: Lake Michigan
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 80 ft (24.38 m)
• GPS Coordinates: Approx. 45° xx.xxx′ N, 085° xx.xxx′ W
• Site Description:

The Industry lies upright and largely intact on the lakebed north of Garden and Hog Islands in Lake Michigan. Salvage operations following the sinking righted the vessel, which was initially lying nearly upside-down. Evidence of the salvage efforts is visible in the Hull and derrick cabin damage.

• The wreck remains a well-preserved example of a Dredge Barge, with distinct features from its operational history.

• Visibility during site photography was approximately 20 ft (6.1 m).

NOTMARs & Advisories:

The site is suitable for recreational diving but requires divers to have the appropriate certification for diving at 80 ft depth. Seasonal Visibility conditions and water temperatures should be considered when planning dives.

Resources & Links:

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• 3D Shipwrecks – Industry

3D Model – Industry

Industry Barge -2 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords:

C. H. Conover, Industry, Dredge Barge, Lake Michigan, Shipwreck, Empire Shipbuilding Co, Garden Island, Hog Island, Salvage Operations.

For precise navigation, GPS coordinates should be verified with local resources or updated data for the region. Always consult experienced dive operators or local maritime authorities when planning visits to underwater wreck sites.