Shipwreck Report: Record 5590

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Record Number: 5590

• Vessel Terms: Unknown

• Feature Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

• Coordinates:

• Latitude (Decimal): 45.987036

• Longitude (Decimal): -83.897242

• Latitude (DMS): 45°59’13.26”N

• Longitude (DMS): 83°53’50.06”W

• Depth:

• Shallowest depth: 6 feet

• Deepest depth: 32 feet

• Location:

• The wreck lies on a slope, oriented southeast to northwest.

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

• Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)

• Width: 36 feet (11 meters)

• Hull: Wood

• Frame: Steel

• Position: Lying on its starboard side.

HISTORY

Initial Documentation

• 1972: The wreck was first identified at latitude 45°59’14.5”N, longitude 83°53’49”W. It was noted to lie on a slope in 30 feet of water. A fathometer reading revealed a least depth of 15 feet at Low Water Datum (LWD).

• 1984–1985: The wreck was not visible in aerial photographs during subsequent surveys.

Detailed Survey and Investigation

• 1989 (H10310/89):

• Survey conducted by OPR-X278-AHP-89.

• The wreck was located via echosounder and investigated by divers.

• Findings:

• The wreck lies in 6 to 32 feet of water.

• Bow: Least depth of 6 feet.

• Center: Depth of 11 feet.

• Stern: Diver gauge recorded 14 feet.

• Measurements were reduced to LWD for accuracy.

• Recommendation: Update nautical charts to reflect accurate wreck location and depths.

Charting Update

• 1991 (MSD Update): The charted “sunken wreck” symbol was deleted, and the wreck feature was updated with detailed depth soundings based on the 1989 survey.

CURRENT CONDITION & SAFETY WARNING

• The wreck lies partially exposed and presents a hazard to surface navigation due to its shallowest depth of 6 feet.

• The structural integrity of the vessel remains intact, though it is lying on its side and partially submerged along a slope.

SIGNIFICANCE AND CONTEXT

The wreck is an example of late 19th or early 20th-century wooden vessel construction with steel reinforcement. Its historical significance is tied to its unknown origins, making it a subject of interest for maritime archaeologists. Further investigation could provide insights into the vessel’s identity and its role in Great Lakes navigation.

CONCLUSION

The wreck at Record 5590 is a well-documented hazard to navigation. Its precise dimensions, depth readings, and positioning have been charted, ensuring the safety of mariners in the area. However, the vessel’s history and purpose remain shrouded in mystery, leaving room for future research and exploration.

TAGS

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeHuron #SubmergedWreck #NavigationHazard #MaritimeArchaeology

RESOURCES

• NOAA Nautical Charts

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

• Hydrographic Surveys (H10310/89)

• MSD Records (1991 Update)