IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: RECRD 4379 (Vessel Terms Unknown)

Type: Submerged Barge (Visible Wreck)

Coordinates:

•Initial Position (Cluster of Three Wrecks): Latitude: 46-28-26.0N, Longitude: 84-17-59.0W

•Corrected Position (Visible Barge):

•North End: Latitude: 46-28-16.75N, Longitude: 84-17-59.37W

•South End: Latitude: 46-28-15.96N, Longitude: 84-17-58.60W

Location: Near Island #3, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Dimensions:

•Length: 90 feet (27.4 meters)

•Width: 35 feet (10.7 meters)

Depth: Awash at 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) at Lowest Water Depth (LWD)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck identified as RECRD 4379 appears to be a submerged Barge. At its corrected location, the Barge is visible at LWD, making it a potential hazard to surface navigation. The elongated projection of the wreck spans approximately 10 meters (initially misreported) and lies partially exposed above the water at 0.3 feet (0.09 meters).

HISTORY & DISCOVERY

Initial Report

The wreck was first noted as a cluster of three submerged wrecks at latitude 46-28-26.0N, longitude 84-17-59.0W, scaled at 1:10,000. However, subsequent analysis determined that this position fell incorrectly on Island #3.

Updated Position & Description

A field survey corrected the position and description of the wreck. A visible Barge measuring 90 feet by 35 feet was located, awash at LWD. The wreck’s north and south ends were identified, providing precise coordinates for charting purposes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of RECRD 4379 remains a visible hazard, located in shallow water and awash at LWD. The wreck has been charted accurately based on updated field data.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Mariners navigating in the vicinity of Island #3 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, should be aware of the presence of this visible wreck. Given its proximity to the surface, it poses a significant hazard to navigation, especially for vessels operating at or near LWD. Updated navigational charts reflect its corrected position.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The wreck is awash and visible at LWD. While the structural integrity of the Barge is unknown, its Visibility suggests a degree of preservation above the sediment.

•Accessibility: The shallow nature of the site makes it accessible for surface inspection or shallow water diving. However, caution is advised due to its exposed location.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•NOAA Hydrographic Surveys: For updated data on submerged wrecks in the Great Lakes region.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: For additional historical context and data.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for further research on Barge operations in the area.

CONCLUSION

The wreck identified as RECRD 4379, located near Island #3 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a 90-foot-long Barge lying awash at LWD. The corrected positioning highlights the importance of accurate charting for navigational safety. The wreck serves as a notable hazard for surface navigation, requiring mariners to exercise caution when operating in the area.

KEYWORDS

Visible Wreck, Submerged Barge, Sault Ste. Marie, Island #3, Navigational Hazard, Great Lakes Wrecks, RECRD 4379.