45°59’13.3″N 83°53’50.1″W

Identification & Site Information

•Record Number: 5590

•Vessel Name: Unknown

•Feature Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

•Location:

•Latitude: 45.987036

•Longitude: -83.897242

•Coordinates (NAD27):

•Latitude: 45°59’13.26”N

•Longitude: 83°53’50.06”W

•Depth:

•Ranges from 6 feet to 32 feet, with a least depth of 6 feet (bow) at Low Water Datum (LWD).

•Sounding Type: Feet and tenths

•GP Quality: High

History

•Initial Identification (1972):

Located via survey in Latitude 45°59’14.5”N and Longitude 83°53’49”W.

The wreck was described as lying on a slope in 30 feet of water, with a fathometer least depth of 15 feet at LWD.

•1984-1985 Updates:

•Survey efforts indicated the wreck was not visible on aerial photos.

•Entered into the Marine Safety Manual (MSM) in November 1987.

•1989 Dive & Survey (H10310/89):

•Conducted as part of OPR-X278-AHP-89 operations.

•Wreck description:

•Length: 135 feet

•Width: 36 feet

•Construction: Wooden Hull with a steel frame

•Orientation: Lying on its starboard side, aligned southeast to northwest.

•Depths:

•Bow: 6 feet (pole sounding)

•Midsection: 11 feet

•Stern: 14 feet (diver gauge).

•Depths were reduced to LWD for accuracy.

•Evaluator recommended removing the charted sunken wreck symbol and replacing it with a 6-foot wreck marker, as shown on the updated survey.

•Entry into Marine Safety Database (MSD) in July 1991.

Current Condition

The wreck lies partially submerged, with significant sections ranging in depth from 6 feet to 32 feet depending on location and water levels. It poses a danger to surface navigation, particularly in shallow water near the bow.

Notes & Advisories

•Navigational Hazard:

Mariners must avoid this location due to the shallow depth of the wreck, especially near the bow.

•Chart Updates:

Historical recommendations to adjust charted symbols to accurately reflect the wreck’s condition and depth were implemented as of 1991.

Resources & Links

•NOAA Wrecks Database: NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions

•Great Lakes Maritime History: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Hydrographic Survey Records: Accessible through NOAA archives or regional maritime authorities.

Conclusion

This unidentified wreck represents a navigational hazard in shallow water near 45°59’13.26”N, 83°53’50.06”W in Lake Huron. Though its origin remains unknown, detailed surveys have provided valuable insights into its dimensions, orientation, and potential risk to surface navigation. This site offers an intriguing location for further exploration or research, adding to the storied Maritime History of the Great Lakes.