Shipwreck Report: VESSEL TERMS UNKNOWN

Identification & Site Information

•Name: VESSEL TERMS UNKNOWN (specific vessel name and type not identified)

•Type: Submerged wreck (hazardous to navigation)

•Location:

•LATDEC: 46.598811

•LONDEC: -90.877081

•Approximate Coordinates: 46°35’55.94”N, 90°52’36.82”W

•Depth: 3 feet at Lowest Water Datum (LWD)

•Region: Near the coastline in the vicinity of Lake Superior, potentially close to Wisconsin or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Historical Surveys

•Initial Survey (1941):

•Conducted as a revisory survey, scaled at 1:15000 from Chart 14974 (NAD 1902).

•Located the wreck at LAT 46°35’56.4”N, LONG 90°52’37.0”W.

•Follow-up Surveys (1984 & 1985):

•In 1984, the wreck was located with a depth coverage of 5.1 feet at high accuracy.

•In 1985, a depth of 3 feet at LWD was confirmed.

•The updated surveys refined the wreck’s position to 46°35’55.94”N, 90°52’36.82”W, confirming it as a hazard to navigation.

Vessel Type Description

The wreck’s specific details, such as the vessel’s name, type, and purpose, are unknown. The shallow depth of 3 feet suggests a small vessel or remnants that pose a significant threat to surface navigation, particularly in low water conditions.

Final Disposition

•Hazardous Nature:

The wreck has been retained on nautical charts due to its shallow depth and hazardous position. Mariners navigating in this region must exercise caution to avoid collision or grounding on the wreck.

Recommendations from Hydrographers

•Retained as Charted:

The wreck remains on all official nautical charts for the region, emphasizing its potential risk to surface vessels.

Current Status

•Visibility: Submerged and not visible from the surface.

•Depth: 3 feet at Lowest Water Datum (LWD).

•Accessibility: The wreck is likely in an area of restricted navigation due to its dangerous nature.

Resources & Links

•NOAA Office of Coast Survey: For chart updates and hydrographic records.

•Chart 14974: Historical chart documenting the area.

Tags

#Shipwreck #VESSELTERMSUNKNOWN #LakeSuperiorWrecks #HazardToNavigation #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #SubmergedWreck

Conclusion

The submerged wreck labeled VESSEL TERMS UNKNOWN is a navigational hazard located in Lake Superior near the given coordinates. Identified and updated through multiple surveys, it remains an active concern for maritime safety due to its shallow depth. Although the identity of the wreck is unknown, its inclusion on charts ensures that mariners remain aware of its presence, minimizing the risk of accidents in the area.