Wreck Report: Unidentified Steel Barge (Salvaged)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Unidentified (likely a steel Barge based on historical records)

• Vessel Type: Steel Barge (salvaged)

• Coordinates:

• Latitude: 45.233347N

• Longitude: 83.329972W

• Location: Lake Huron

• Depth: 0 feet (submerged near the water’s surface, now fully salvaged)

• Feature Type: Dangerous submerged wreck (historically; now salvaged)

• Survey Data: No current survey requirements due to successful salvage.

Vessel Type Description

The wreck was historically identified as a 300-foot steel Barge used for bulk material transport across the Great Lakes. These barges were prevalent during the industrial period for carrying heavy cargoes such as coal, ore, and construction materials. They were designed for durability and maximum capacity to meet the demands of Great Lakes shipping routes.

History

This wreck was initially discovered at Latitude 45.233347N, Longitude 83.329972W with dimensions of 50×300 feet. Located at a depth of 38 feet, it posed a severe hazard to navigation due to its shallow position near the surface.

The Barge was salvaged by Pan Oceanic of Alpena, an extensive operation featured in a motion picture. This salvage effort highlights the significance and challenges associated with removing such a large steel vessel. Its removal ensured safer navigation in the area and marked an important moment in Great Lakes maritime history.

Final Disposition

The Barge has been fully salvaged, eliminating any Navigation Hazards. The specific coordinates provided refer to the last recorded position before the successful salvage operation by Pan Oceanic of Alpena.

Located By & Date

The Barge was identified in historical records, and its salvage operation, likely conducted in the mid-20th century, was well-documented. The involvement of Pan Oceanic and the accompanying motion picture underline the scale and importance of this endeavor.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck site. The area is safe for navigation, with no remaining hazards from the previously submerged Barge.

Resources & Links

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

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay Sanctuary

Conclusion

The steel Barge, once a significant hazard in Lake Huron, was successfully salvaged by Pan Oceanic of Alpena, removing its threat to surface navigation. Its historical importance lies in the documentation and scale of the salvage operation, serving as a noteworthy example of Great Lakes maritime engineering and hazard management.

Keywords

• Lake Huron wreck

• Steel Barge salvage

• Submerged wreck

• Great Lakes maritime history

• Navigation hazard

• Pan Oceanic salvage

GPS Coordinates

Last Known Position (Pre-Salvage): Latitude 45.233347N, Longitude 83.329972W.

This historical site is significant for those interested in maritime history, despite the wreck’s removal.