Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Unnamed Vessel (Survey Reference: H9889/80)

• Type: Unknown Vessel (Presumably Metal-Hulled)

• Dimensions: Estimated length of 50 meters (approximately 164 feet)

• Material Observed: Heavy iron plates

• Location:

• Latitude: 43° 03’ 51.6” N

• Longitude: 78° 59’ 25.9” W

• Depth: 2 feet at Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)

• Chart Status: Marked as a sunken wreck per hydrographic survey H9889/80 and included in relevant navigation charts and safety documents.

• Date of Charting: September 1988

Vessel Type Description

The wreck is presumed to belong to a fairly large vessel, possibly a ship designed for heavy-duty work or freight, given its estimated size of 50 meters and the presence of heavy iron plating. The nature of its construction, including iron plating, suggests that it may have been a 19th or early 20th-century industrial vessel.

History

The wreck at this site was documented during a hydrographic survey conducted in 1980 (H9889/80). The survey team noted heavy iron plates awash in shallow water, indicating that the wreck was likely the remains of a significant vessel. However, no historical records were provided to identify the ship, its origins, or the circumstances of its sinking.

The site was evaluated, and the wreck was found to pose potential hazards to navigation due to its location in very shallow water. As a result, the site was recommended for charting to ensure mariner safety. The Marine Safety Manual (MSM) officially recorded the wreck in September 1988, and the information was incorporated into navigation charts and relevant maritime documents.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains submerged in shallow water at the specified coordinates. It is a charted wreck, and its location is indicated on navigation resources to warn mariners of the potential hazard. No salvage or archaeological efforts have been reported at this site.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Chart Advisory: The wreck is charted and marked as a navigational hazard due to its shallow depth of 2 feet at LAT. Mariners operating in the area are advised to exercise caution.

• Recommendations: Boaters and smaller vessels should avoid the immediate area of the wreck site, particularly during periods of low water levels.

Located By & Date

• Survey Conducted By: Hydrographic survey H9889/80

• Date of Survey: 1980

• Date of Official Entry: September 1988

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck’s heavy iron plating suggests that portions of its structure remain intact, though exposure to water and elements over decades likely means significant corrosion and decay have occurred. Given its shallow depth, the wreck may be visible at low tide or under calm water conditions. Accessibility for investigation is relatively high, but caution should be exercised due to sharp edges and potential structural instability.

Resources & Links

• Marine Safety Manual (MSM): Official reference for navigational hazards and charted wrecks.

• NOAA Office of Coast Survey: For updated navigation charts and wreck location data.

• Hydrographic Survey Archives: Details and historical data from H9889/80.

• Local Maritime Historical Societies: Potential avenues for uncovering historical details about the wreck.

Conclusion

The wreck documented during survey H9889/80 remains an intriguing mystery. Its size and construction hint at a large industrial or freight vessel, but without further investigation or historical context, its identity and story remain unknown. The shallow nature of the wreck site highlights the ongoing risks to navigation, reinforcing the importance of accurate charting and monitoring. Further exploration may reveal more about the vessel’s origins and its role in maritime history.

Keywords

#GreatLakesShipwrecks

#UnchartedWrecks

#HydrographicSurvey

#IronPlatedWreck

#ShallowWaterHazard

#LakeErieShipwreck

#MaritimeHistory

#NavigationSafety