Identification & Site Information

•Nickname: Junction 20

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Location: Gas well junction near Long Point, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 42°35.40279’N, 58°22.378’W

•Depth: 162 feet (49 meters)

Current Wreck Condition

The Junction 20 wreck is heavily damaged and partially buried in silt, making it challenging to identify specific features or details about the vessel’s original construction and history.

Structural Features

•Foremast:

•Broken and fallen forward.

•Lies beside and slightly to the port of the bowsprit.

•Hull:

•The vessel is badly broken up, likely due to both natural forces and disturbances from the gas pipeline.

•Burial in Silt:

•A significant portion of the wreck is submerged under heavy silt, with only portions of the structure visible.

Diving Conditions

•Depth:

•At 162 feet (49 meters), the site is suitable only for advanced divers or technical divers due to the depth and potential for limited Visibility.

•Visibility:

•Silt and debris from the pipeline and natural sedimentation may significantly reduce Visibility.

•Safety Considerations:

•Strong current conditions and potential entanglement hazards from wreck debris or pipeline infrastructure should be considered.

Historical Context

While the identity of this wreck remains unknown, the Junction 20 nickname reflects its proximity to a notable gas pipeline junction. The disturbance caused by the pipeline construction and maintenance may have contributed to the current fragmented state of the wreck. The Schooner’s design and location suggest it could be one of many vessels lost in Lake Erie during the 19th or early 20th centuries.

Significance

The Junction 20 wreck offers insights into the interaction between historical shipwrecks and modern industrial activity. The damage caused by the gas pipeline highlights the challenges of preserving underwater cultural heritage in areas with active infrastructure development.

Recommendations for Exploration

1.Survey & Documentation:

•Advanced sonar mapping or photogrammetry could help create a detailed record of the remaining structure and its surroundings.

2.Identification Efforts:

•Cross-reference the location and visible structural features with historical records of vessels lost in the area to determine the wreck’s identity.

3.Preservation Advocacy:

•Collaboration with industrial operators and maritime preservation societies to mitigate further damage to the site.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical databases for identifying shipwrecks.

2.Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: For support in preservation efforts.

3.NOAA Shipwreck Database: For additional information on wrecks in the region.

Keywords

Junction 20, Gas Pipeline Wreck, Unknown Schooner, Long Point Wreck, Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Deep Wreck Dive, Maritime Archaeology, Silt-Covered Wreck.