Shipwreck Report: Unknown (aka False St. Andrew)

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Unknown (referred to as “False St. Andrew”)
• Registry: Not documented
• Vessel Type: Schooner
• Year Built: Not documented
• Year Sank: Not documented
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: Not documented
• Engines: None
• Dimensions
• Length: Not documented
• Width: Not documented
• Depth: Not documented

Vessel History

The Unknown Schooner—nicknamed the “False St. Andrew”—is an unidentified shipwreck located in Lake Huron near Michigan. The name stems from earlier misidentification as the Schooner St. Andrew, though subsequent research disproved the connection. The vessel’s design and artifacts suggest it was a wooden Schooner, a common type of cargo ship on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Without definitive records of its construction or sinking, the exact identity and history of this wreck remain a mystery. However, the presence of a Centerboard trunk and multiple masts aligns with Schooner construction used primarily for transporting bulk goods like lumber, grain, or coal.

For further details:

• Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve – False St. Andrew
• 3DShipwrecks – False St. Andrew

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Huron
• State/Province: Michigan
• Depth: 60 ft (18.29 m)
• GPS Coordinates: 45° 42.051′ N, 084° 31.795′ W

3D Model – False St. Andrews

False St Andrew by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck lies at a depth of 60 ft (18.29 m) and is significantly disarticulated, with key components collapsed but still present at the site:

• Deck and Sides:

• Collapsed but extant, lying flat on the lakebed.

• Artifacts and Structural Features:

• Centerboard Trunk: A prominent feature, suggesting the Schooner was designed for shallow-water navigation.

• Windlass: Located at the bow area.

• Rudder Post: Extant near the Stern.

• Cathead (Starboard Side): Visible on site, used for handling anchors.

• Mast Holes: Two are visible, indicating the Schooner had at least two masts.

• Cabin Roof: Partially buried but extant, offering clues about the crew’s living quarters.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

At 60 ft (18.29 m), the wreck is accessible to recreational divers.

• Visibility:

Lake Huron generally offers good Visibility at this depth, though sediment disturbances can temporarily reduce clarity.

• Preservation Status:

The site is part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve and is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and leave artifacts undisturbed.

Site Significance

The “False St. Andrew” is an intriguing shipwreck due to its misidentification and the mystery surrounding its origins. Its disarticulated state offers a unique opportunity to study Schooner construction methods, including the Centerboard trunk and cathead, which are well-preserved examples of 19th-century shipbuilding.

The wreck is part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve, an area rich in Great Lakes maritime history. While its identity remains unknown, the wreck serves as a reminder of the thousands of vessels that traversed the Great Lakes, many of which disappeared without clear records.

Keywords:

False St. Andrew, Lake Huron shipwrecks, unidentified Schooner, Straits of Mackinac, Great Lakes maritime history, recreational diving.