SHIPWRECK REPORT: RECORD 2352

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Unknown

• Vessel Terms: Barges (two wrecks)

• Feature Type: Visible wrecks

• Location:

• Primary Position: Latitude 46.462686° N, Longitude -84.2862° W

• Additional Position: Latitude 46° 27′ 47″ N, Longitude 84° 17′ 14″ W

• Depth:

• The primary visible wreck uncovers 2 feet at Lowest Water Depth (LWD).

• Orientation:

• The primary wreck lies in a north-south direction.

• Dimensions:

• Each Barge is approximately 100 feet in length.

DESCRIPTION OF WRECKS

1. Primary Wreck (Visible):

• Located at the position 46.462686° N, -84.2862° W.

• This Barge is partially submerged and becomes visible during low water conditions.

• Its height is such that it uncovers 2 feet at LWD.

2. Secondary Wreck (Eastern Position):

• Located at 46° 27′ 47″ N, 84° 17′ 14″ W.

• Believed to be the originally reported visible wreck.

HISTORY

Initial Reports:

• The wrecks were first reported as visible and charted at a scale of 1:10,000 with positions noted at latitude 46° 27′ 45.0″ N, longitude 84° 17′ 10.0″ W.

Hydrographic Surveys:

• Surveys confirmed the presence of two separate barges in the vicinity.

• The visible wreck to the east was identified as the originally reported wreck.

• Both wrecks were recommended for charting due to their proximity to the water’s surface and potential navigational hazard.

CURRENT CONDITION

• Visibility:

• The primary wreck is visible during low water conditions, making it a significant hazard to navigation.

• Access:

• The shallow depth of the visible wreck allows for potential investigation or recreational exploration, but caution is advised due to its hazardous status.

NAVIGATION CONSIDERATIONS

• Hazards:

• Both wrecks are submerged and partially visible, posing dangers to surface navigation, particularly during low water levels.

• Recommendations:

• Mariners should avoid these locations or exercise extreme caution when navigating in their vicinity.

• Updated charts reflect the positions of these wrecks for enhanced safety.

NEAREST CITY

• The wrecks are located near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in the northeastern portion of Lake Superior.

SIGNIFICANCE

These Barge wrecks serve as historical remnants of the Great Lakes’ industrial past and remain a critical reminder of the hazards posed by submerged wrecks. Their Visibility during low water conditions underscores their importance in navigational safety and historical preservation.

REFERENCES

• Hydrographic Survey Reports

• Navigation and Safety Charts

• Marine Safety Manual (MSM)

CONCLUSION

The visible wrecks at 46.462686, -84.2862 and nearby 46° 27′ 47″ N, 84° 17′ 14″ W are significant hazards to navigation in Lake Superior. Marked as two submerged barges, these wrecks emphasize the importance of updated navigation charts for mariner safety and the preservation of Great Lakes maritime history.

KEYWORDS

#VisibleWreck #LakeSuperior #SaultSteMarie #BargeWrecks #NavigationHazard #HydrographicSurvey