SHIPWRECK REPORT: UNKNOWN WRECK (Record Number 10702)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Unknown

•Vessel Type: Likely a 14-foot outboard boat

•Location: Lake St. Clair

•Coordinates: 42.553361° N, -82.586583° W

•Geographical Position Quality (GP Quality): Low

•Depth: Not specified

•Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

•Sounding Type: Not provided

•Year Sunk: Unknown (Reported in 1978)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

This wreck is believed to be a 14-foot outboard boat, as noted in the historical records. Its small size suggests it was likely used for recreational or local fishing purposes. Due to its submerged state and classification as a navigational hazard, the wreck may still pose a risk to small and medium-sized vessels operating in the area.

HISTORY

•Initial Report (1978): The wreck was first mentioned in Local Notice to Mariners (LNM20/78) by the 9th Coast Guard District on July 11, 1978. It was described as a 14-foot outboard boat sunk near 42°33.2’N, 82°35.2’W.

•1986 Survey: A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Auto Sweep Survey identified the wreck in its survey area. However, the findings led to doubts about its exact location and existence.

•1990 Update: On the 1990 edition of chart 14852, the wreck’s status was updated to Existence Doubtful (ED). This means that while the wreck’s presence was recorded, its location and condition could not be conclusively verified.

•2008 Survey Exclusion: The wreck was not investigated during the 2008 survey (H11913) under OPR-W408-NRT4-08. The absence of updated survey data leaves the status and condition of the wreck unresolved.

•2009 Status: As of the last update on June 17, 2009, the wreck remains classified as dangerous to surface navigation, with its precise location in doubt.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck is considered dangerous to surface navigation, though its existence is marked as doubtful. It has not been verified by recent surveys, but its potential presence in the area warrants caution for mariners navigating in Lake St. Clair.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: Unknown. If still present, the wreck is likely in poor condition due to its small size, age, and prolonged exposure to environmental factors.

•Accessibility: The wreck has not been confirmed by recent surveys, making it a challenging site for exploration. Its presence is currently hypothetical based on older reports.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Mariners should be cautious when navigating near 42.553361° N, -82.586583° W, particularly smaller vessels that may operate in shallow areas.

•The wreck’s existence doubtful status underscores the need for updated surveys to confirm its presence or removal.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) Archive: Searchable database of navigation warnings and historical records.

•U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Surveys: Details of the Auto Sweep Surveys conducted in 1986 and other years.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of shipwreck data and regional maritime narratives.

CONCLUSION

The unknown wreck (Record Number 10702) remains a potential navigational hazard in Lake St. Clair, though its existence has been marked as doubtful since 1990. Mariners are advised to exercise caution near the reported coordinates. Efforts should be made to resurvey the area and update the wreck’s status for safer navigation.

KEYWORDS

Unknown wreck, Lake St. Clair, submerged hazard, Local Notice to Mariners, navigation risk, existence doubtful, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey, small craft wreck.