Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Unknown (believed to be a Schooner)

•Vessel Type: Likely Schooner

•Coordinates: Latitude 45°05’05.0”N, Longitude 83°26’05.0”W

•Location: Thunder Bay, Lake Huron

•Depth: 1.8 meters (6 feet) below the water’s surface

•Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

•Survey Data: Initial soundings in H9839/79; updated by AWOIS item H12132 using Simrad 3002 multibeam system

Vessel Type Description

The wreck is believed to be a wooden-hulled Schooner, approximately 100 feet in length and 30 feet in width, with sidewalls approximately 6 feet tall. Based on the visible remains, such as a 4-blade propeller, Anchor Chain, and boiler, the vessel may have been an auxiliary Schooner, combining sail and steam propulsion. Schooners like this were prevalent during the 19th century, serving as workhorses for cargo transport across the Great Lakes.

History

The unidentified Schooner lies submerged in Thunder Bay, a historically significant area of Lake Huron known for its maritime activity and numerous shipwrecks. The wreck was first identified during survey H9839/79, with subsequent documentation in the Thunder Bay Shipwreck Survey Report (CL574/82). Key features, including a 4-blade propeller and boiler, suggest the vessel had steam capabilities alongside its sails.

The wreck’s deterioration, noted as early as the 1970s, is characteristic of wooden vessels subjected to the challenging underwater conditions of the Great Lakes. Thunder Bay’s often treacherous weather and heavy maritime traffic make it likely that the Schooner met its fate during the 19th or early 20th century, possibly due to collision, storm damage, or mechanical failure.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains in Thunder Bay at a shallow depth of 6 feet, with some features as shallow as 5 feet. Despite significant deterioration, elements such as the boiler, propeller, and portions of the Hull remain visible, making the wreck an interesting site for divers but also a navigation hazard. Ongoing exposure to Lake Huron’s conditions will likely continue to degrade the site over time.

Located By & Date

•Initial Discovery: Survey H9839/79

•Further Documentation: Thunder Bay Shipwreck Survey Report (CL574/82)

•Recent Confirmation: AWOIS item H12132 with updated positioning and depth data

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck’s shallow depth makes it a hazard to navigation. Mariners should consult the latest Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for specific advisories about Thunder Bay. Accurate positioning data provided by recent surveys helps ensure safe navigation and awareness of this underwater obstruction.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

•NOAA AWOIS Database

Conclusion

The unidentified Schooner wreck in Thunder Bay is both a valuable historical site and a significant navigation hazard. Its visible features—such as the propeller, boiler, and Anchor Chain—offer a glimpse into the maritime past of Lake Huron, while its shallow depth poses risks to surface vessels. Continued monitoring and preservation efforts are essential to maintain the wreck’s historical significance while ensuring the safety of modern maritime operations.

Keywords

•Thunder Bay Schooner wreck

•Lake Huron shipwreck

•Submerged wreck

•Maritime history

•Shipwreck diving site

•Navigation hazard

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

•Coordinates: Latitude 45°05’05.0”N, Longitude 83°26’05.0”W

•Depth: 1.8 meters (6 feet)

Mariners and divers are advised to use caution when navigating or exploring this area. Refer to the latest survey data and NOTMARs for accurate positioning and safe operations.