Shipwreck Report: Unknown Wreck (RECRD 5591)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unknown Wreck

• Feature Type: Visible Wreck

• Coordinates: Latitude 45.988908°N, Longitude -83.897225°W

• Depth: Surface-level (0 meters; wreckage is exposed)

• Sounding Type: Unknown

• Size: Approximately 100 meters (328 feet) in length

• Location Quality: High confidence in GPS quality

• Type: Likely a sidewheel Steamboat based on historical records

Vessel Type Description

The wreck is suspected to be the remains of a large sidewheel Steamboat, a design common in the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting passengers and cargo across the Great Lakes. These vessels were recognizable by their large paddle wheels positioned on either side of the Hull and were vital for regional commerce and transit.

History

Historical records provide the following insights:

• LS1703/36: Two submerged wrecks were initially reported in this vicinity, with approximate coordinates 45°59.19’N, 83°53.52’W.

• CL213/82: A subsequent charting effort confirmed the presence of a single large wreck rather than two smaller ones. The wreck was identified as a likely sidewheel Steamboat.

• TP00361/84-85: The wreck was not visible in aerial photographs taken during this period.

• H10313/89: A detailed survey in 1989 confirmed the wreckage’s dimensions (90×320 feet, approximately 27×97 meters) and noted that it bares 8 feet above the surface.

The Steamboat likely served during the heyday of steam-driven Great Lakes vessels but may have succumbed to age, accident, or severe weather, leading to its abandonment or destruction.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck remains visible above the waterline, making it accessible for observation and exploration without requiring diving equipment. The exposed nature also provides a unique opportunity for above-water archaeological documentation. However, its condition as an old and exposed wreck makes it vulnerable to weathering and environmental decay.

Ongoing Research & Notes

The wreck’s identity remains unknown, with no confirmed name or sinking year. Researchers and maritime historians may use this information in conjunction with archival shipping and wreck loss records to match it to a known vessel.

Conclusion

This exposed wreck offers a glimpse into the history of Great Lakes steam navigation. Its preservation and Visibility make it a significant site for historical research and public interest. Further efforts to identify the wreck and its story could contribute to our understanding of the region’s maritime heritage.

Keywords: Sidewheel Steamboat, Great Lakes Shipwreck, Visible Wreck, Maritime History, Archaeology

Glossary Terms: Sidewheel, Steamboat, Exposed Wreck, GPS Coordinates

The wreck is located at the following coordinates:

• Latitude: 45.988908°N

• Longitude: -83.897225°W

Nearby Geographic Context:

• Region: Lake Huron area, northern portion near the Straits of Mackinac.

• Accessibility: The wreck is visible above water (depth recorded as 0 meters), making it a prominent feature at this location.

You can view the location on Google Maps for further context.