Shipwreck Report: Unidentified Schooner
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
• Name/Designation: Unidentified Schooner
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Location:
• Coordinates: N 43° 28.947’, W 82° 22.433’
• Body of Water: Lake Huron
• Depth: 95 feet (29 meters)
VESSEL DESCRIPTION
• Construction: Wooden Hull
• Length: Presumed standard Schooner length for its era, likely 80–150 feet.
• Usage: Likely a cargo vessel transporting goods such as timber, grain, or coal during the late 19th or early 20th century.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Lake Huron was a critical part of Great Lakes commerce, with schooners serving as workhorses for transporting bulk cargo. This unidentified Schooner likely met its fate due to one of the following:
• Severe Weather: The Great Lakes were notorious for sudden, powerful storms.
• Collision: Heavy traffic on shipping routes often led to accidents.
• Grounding or Structural Failure: Wooden schooners, heavily loaded, were prone to damage from shallow reefs or structural weaknesses.
Nearby Activity
• Shipping Lanes: The coordinates indicate proximity to established 19th-century shipping routes.
• Historical Relevance: This wreck may have been part of the dense network of commerce that fueled the economic growth of the U.S. and Canada.
CURRENT CONDITION
• Structural Integrity:
• At a depth of 95 feet, the cold, fresh water of Lake Huron may have preserved much of the wreck.
• The wooden Hull, masts, and potential artifacts could remain intact or partially buried in sediment.
• Marine Life: The wreck likely serves as a habitat for aquatic species, adding ecological value to its historical significance.
DIVE INFORMATION
• Depth: Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to the 95-foot depth.
• Visibility: Dependent on weather and sediment levels but generally fair in Lake Huron.
• Points of Interest: Divers may observe the intact Hull, Keel, or cargo remnants.
RESEARCH STATUS
• Unidentified: The Schooner’s identity remains unknown, requiring further research.
• Examination of archival records and local maritime history may yield clues.
• Artifacts recovered during a dive may provide additional context.
CONCLUSION
The unidentified Schooner at N 43° 28.947’, W 82° 22.433’ is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners. Its preservation at 95 feet makes it an intriguing site for exploration by divers and maritime historians alike. Uncovering its identity could contribute valuable insight into the region’s rich maritime heritage.
TAGS
#UnidentifiedWreck #Schooner #LakeHuron #GreatLakesShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory
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