SHIPWRECK REPORT: M/V Melissa Desagnes (Record #14209)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: M/V Melissa Desagnes

•Feature Type: Submerged and dangerous to surface navigation

•Location:

•Latitude: 42.236667 N

•Longitude: -83.131667 W

•Proximity: Approximately 1/2 nautical mile north of Grassy Island

•GP Quality: Low (coordinates may lack precise accuracy)

•Depth: Not specified

•Year Sunk: Not mentioned

•Sounding Type: Not provided

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Melissa Desagnes is categorized as a motor vessel (M/V), a type of powered ship designed for transporting cargo or passengers. Based on its classification as a dangerous submerged wreck, the vessel likely encountered an incident severe enough to render it inoperable, leading to its grounding and eventual submergence near Grassy Island.

HISTORY OF THE WRECK

The M/V Melissa Desagnes was reported grounded in Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) 38/1997 by the U.S. Coast Guard District 9. The notice described the vessel as grounded in position 42-14.2N – 83-07.9W, approximately 1/2 nautical mile north of Grassy Island in the Detroit River. The wreck was later officially documented in the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CEH) database in May 2008.

The lack of details on the cause of the incident, the year of sinking, and the circumstances leading to the vessel’s grounding leave the story incomplete. Additional historical records may shed light on whether the vessel was lost due to navigational error, mechanical failure, or adverse weather conditions.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The M/V Melissa Desagnes remains submerged in the Detroit River near Grassy Island. Listed as dangerous to surface navigation, the wreck poses a significant hazard to vessels operating in the area. Mariners are advised to steer clear of the coordinates provided and adhere to any relevant navigational advisories.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•The wreck is charted as a navigational hazard and included in the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 38/1997).

•Mariners operating in the vicinity of 42-14.2N – 83-07.9W near Grassy Island should exercise caution.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The wreck is submerged and considered dangerous, though the specific depth is unknown. Given its designation as a hazard, portions of the vessel may be in a deteriorated or fragmented state, posing risks to both surface and underwater exploration.

•Accessibility: Diving and exploration activities would require additional safety measures due to the site’s classification as hazardous. Visibility and currents in the Detroit River may further complicate exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•U.S. Coast Guard District 9 Notices to Mariners: Historical reports on wrecks and navigational hazards in the region.

•Canadian Hydrographic Service (CEH): Detailed records of submerged wrecks, including updates on the Melissa Desagnes.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical documentation of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Detroit River Historical Society: Potential additional context for maritime activity and shipwrecks near Grassy Island.

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the M/V Melissa Desagnes stands as a hazardous submerged site near Grassy Island in the Detroit River. While much about the vessel’s operational history and circumstances leading to its loss remains unclear, the wreck’s presence highlights the importance of accurate charting and vigilance in navigating Great Lakes waterways. Further research and exploration may uncover more about this mysterious vessel and its final voyage.

KEYWORDS

M/V Melissa Desagnes, Grassy Island, Detroit River, submerged wreck, navigational hazard, Great Lakes shipwrecks, motor vessel, Local Notice to Mariners, Canadian Hydrographic Service.