Identification & Site Information

• Name: Sadie Thompson
• Former Names: Not documented
• Registration Number: Not documented
• Date Built: 1890s
• Builder: Not documented
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: Not documented
• Date Lost: 1950s
• Location: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) south of Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
• GPS Coordinates 46^o 42.537′ N 84^o 59.878′ W
• Depth: 115 feet (35 meters)

Vessel Type

Derrick Barge

Description

The Sadie Thompson was a wooden-hulled derrick barge constructed in the 1890s. Equipped with a steam-driven boiler on Deck, it was primarily utilized for heavy lifting and construction task In the 1950s, during the construction of the Whitefish Bay Harbor, the Barge played a significant role in supporting maritime infrastructure projects.

History

During a storm in the 1950s, while engaged in harbor construction activities, the Sadie Thompson broke free from its moorings. The vessel drifted approximately 4 miles southwest of Whitefish Point before succumbing to the turbulent waters of Lake Superior and sinking. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from this incident.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Sadie Thompson now rests on its side at a depth of 115 feet (35 meters) on the lakebed. The Barge’s derrick remains attached, offering divers a glimpse into its operational past. The site has become a popular destination for advanced recreational divers due to its historical significance and relatively intact structure.

Located By & Date Found

Specific details regarding the discovery and identification of the Sadie Thompson wreck are not documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Obstructions: Divers should be aware of potential entanglement hazards due to the Barge’s structure and attached equipment.
• Preserve Regulations: The wreck lies within the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, a protected area established to conserve shipwrecks and historical resources. Divers are encouraged to respect preserve guidelines to protect the site’s integrity.

Resources & Links

• Shipwreck Explorers: Barge Sadie Thompson
• Superior Trips: Shipwreck Sadie Thompson
• Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
• 3DShipwrecks – Sadie Thompson

3D Model by 3DShipwrecks

Sadie Thompson by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The Sadie Thompson serves as a submerged testament to the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, particularly the industrial efforts in harbor construction during the mid-20th century. Its well-preserved state offers divers and historians alike an opportunity to explore and study a piece of nautical heritage within the protective bounds of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.

Keywords: Sadie Thompson, derrick Barge, Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, Lake Superior shipwreck, harbor construction, maritime history, shipwreck diving

Categories: Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Diving Sites, Great Lakes History

Glossary Terms:

• Derrick Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel equipped with a crane (derrick) used for heavy lifting, often in construction or salvage operations.
• Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve: A designated area in Lake Superior aimed at protecting submerged cultural resources, including numerous shipwrecks.
• Moorings: Anchored lines or chains used to secure a vessel in a fixed position.