IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•CRD: 2357

•Vessel Terms: Unknown (Confirmed Wooden Barge)

•Feature Type: Visible wreck

•Coordinates:

•Current Position: Latitude 46.490486N, Longitude -84.310081W

•Initial Classification: Latitude 46-29-25.5N, Longitude 84-18-36.0W

•Depth: Exposed 1.2 feet at LWD (Lowest Water Depth)

•Dimensions: Elongated structure, approximately 10 meters in length

•Condition: Ribs lying flat on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, oriented in an east-west direction, with metal debris scattered throughout the site.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The wreck is confirmed to be a wooden Barge, likely used for transporting bulk goods such as timber, coal, or stone along the Great Lakes. Barges of this type were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were essential for regional trade and industrial transport. The structural description of ribs lying flat suggests significant degradation, though enough remains to identify the vessel’s purpose and construction type.

HISTORY

Initial Classification (1945):

•The wreck was first identified as submerged ruins and plotted at a scale of 1:10,000.

•The structure was noted to be elongated at approximately 10 meters in length.

Subsequent Updates:

•The wreck was reclassified as a visible wooden Barge with a portion exposed above water at 1.2 feet at LWD.

•Metal debris associated with the structure indicates remnants of its operational equipment or cargo.

Significance:

The Barge likely served as a transport vessel during the height of industrial shipping on the Great Lakes. The proximity to shore and its scattered debris suggest it may have been Abandoned or destroyed near its mooring, possibly during harsh weather or due to structural failure.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck lies in an east-west orientation at 46.490486N, -84.310081W, parallel to the shoreline. It is visible and exposed above the waterline at 1.2 feet at LWD. While it poses no immediate navigational hazard, its condition warrants further investigation or periodic monitoring.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Status: No immediate navigation hazard.

•Advisory: Mariners should remain aware of its location, especially during low water conditions or when operating near the shoreline.

SURVEY REQUIREMENTS

•Current Status: Full survey required but has not been assigned further action.

•Recommendations:

•Conduct a detailed imaging survey to assess the extent of debris and structural condition.

•Investigate historical records to identify the vessel and determine its significance in Great Lakes shipping history.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition:

•The wreck’s ribs lie flat, indicating significant degradation, but the Barge structure is identifiable.

•Metal debris scattered throughout adds complexity to the site.

•Accessibility:

•The shallow location and Visibility make it accessible for divers or researchers.

•Recreational diving is feasible but should follow preservation protocols to avoid disturbing the site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•NOAA Office of Coast Survey: NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: Explore Great Lakes History

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Database

CONCLUSION

The CRD 2357 wreck provides a valuable glimpse into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. As a visible wooden Barge lying close to shore, it represents the industrial legacy of the region. While no longer a navigation hazard, the wreck holds potential historical significance, warranting further investigation to uncover its origins and role in the economic development of the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

CRD 2357, Visible Wreck, Wooden Barge, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Lake Huron, Historical Preservation, Maritime History, Underwater Archaeology.

CALL TO ACTION

Maritime historians and researchers are encouraged to explore archival records and perform detailed site assessments to identify the vessel and document its historical context. Preservation efforts should be prioritized to safeguard this artifact for future generations.