Shipwreck Report: VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Unidentified (VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN)

•Type: Submerged wreck

•Location:

•Coordinates:

•1941 Survey: LAT 46-35-56.4N, LONG 90-52-37.0W

•1984–1985 Surveys: LAT 46-35-55.94N, LONG 90-52-36.82W

•Decimal Degrees: LATDEC 46.598811, LONDEC -90.877081

•Region: Lake Superior

•Depth:

•1941 Survey: Depth not initially determined.

•1984 Survey: Depth coverage at 5.1 feet.

•1985 Survey: Confirmed at 3 feet (0.91 meters) at Lowest Water Depth (LWD).

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck, classified under VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN, is a submerged and unidentified object located in Lake Superior, identified as a hazard to surface navigation. Its precise nature remains unclear due to the lack of detailed documentation or identification features. It may be the remains of a small vessel, Barge, or structural debris, given the shallow depth and high-risk location.

HISTORICAL SURVEYS & DISCOVERY

•1941 Survey:

•Marked as a dangerous wreck on Chart 14974, scaled at 1:15000 (NAD 1902).

•The wreck was initially identified during a revisory survey focused on Navigation Hazards in the area.

•1984–1985 Surveys:

•Further hydrographic surveys utilized updated sonar and measurement techniques to refine the location and depth.

•Measurements confirmed the wreck’s coverage at a shallow depth, posing a serious hazard to navigation in the area.

•Recommended retention on navigational charts as a permanent feature due to its hazardous proximity to the surface.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Depth: Shallow, with the wreck protruding up to 3 feet (0.91 meters) below the water’s surface during low water conditions. This makes it a significant risk to surface navigation, especially for smaller vessels.

•Visibility: Likely dependent on water clarity. The shallow depth suggests the wreck may be visible in favorable conditions.

•Physical Features: Minimal details on structural features are available, but the wreck is likely heavily deteriorated, given its extended submersion and exposure to Lake Superior’s harsh conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE & HAZARDS

•Navigational Hazard: The shallow depth (3 feet at LWD) places this wreck among the most hazardous submerged features in the region, posing a direct risk to boats operating near the surface.

•Retention on Charts: Hydrographers strongly recommended retaining the wreck on navigational charts due to its proximity to the surface and the high GP_QUALITY of its location data.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.Mariner Advisory:

•Mariners should exercise extreme caution when navigating near the wreck site, particularly during periods of low water.

•Avoid the area entirely if possible, as the wreck’s minimal depth makes it difficult to detect visually or by basic sonar systems.

2.Further Surveys:

•Additional hydrographic surveys or sonar imaging may provide more details on the wreck’s structure, aiding in identification and risk assessment.

3.Potential Marking:

•Consideration should be given to marking the site with a buoy to improve Visibility and reduce collision risk.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•NOAA Charts: Chart 14974 for Lake Superior.

•Hydrographic Reports: Data from the 1941 and 1984–1985 surveys are critical for referencing the wreck’s location and features.

•Maritime History Archives: Investigating local shipping records may yield clues about the wreck’s identity.

CONCLUSION

The submerged wreck with VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN remains a significant navigational hazard in Lake Superior. Its precise identity is yet to be determined, and its shallow depth poses ongoing risks to surface navigation. While historical surveys have accurately located and documented the wreck, additional exploration and monitoring may be warranted to ensure maritime safety and potentially uncover the wreck’s origins.