Identification & Site Information:

Name: JACQUILINE

Other Names: None

Vessel Type: Car Ferry (Wooden Construction)

Build Information: Details not provided

Specifications:

•Depth: 12 feet (4 meters)

•Location: North Channel, Lake Huron

•Coordinates: N46° 05.067’, W082° 13.208’

Vessel Type Description

The JACQUILINE was a wooden car Ferry designed for transporting vehicles and passengers across the waterways of the Great Lakes, specifically in the North Channel of Lake Huron. These ferries were crucial before the development of bridges and roads, linking isolated communities and supporting local economies. The exact construction date and other build details remain unknown, but vessels like this were typically active in the early to mid-20th century.

History

The JACQUILINE served as a lifeline for communities along the North Channel, providing transportation for vehicles, goods, and passengers. The region’s rugged terrain and dispersed settlements made such ferries indispensable for daily commerce and travel.

Given the North Channel’s seasonal and often unpredictable weather, ferries like the JACQUILINE faced challenges ranging from ice floes in winter to summer storms. Despite its utility, the Ferry’s operational history and ownership details are not thoroughly documented.

Final Disposition

The JACQUILINE sank in the North Channel of Lake Huron and now rests in shallow water at a depth of 12 feet (4 meters). The circumstances of its sinking remain unclear. Potential causes include weather-related damage, accidental grounding, or structural failure. Shallow wrecks like this often suggest a sudden event, as the vessel likely sank close to its intended route or harbor.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically tied to the wreck of the JACQUILINE. However, its shallow location might pose a navigational concern for smaller craft. Recreational divers and snorkelers should proceed cautiously, given possible debris and the potential for structural instability.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s location is well-documented, with coordinates placing it in the North Channel at N46° 05.067’, W082° 13.208’. While the precise date of its discovery is unclear, the shallow site likely became known shortly after its sinking.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The JACQUILINE lies at a modest depth of 12 feet (4 meters), making it highly accessible to snorkelers and beginner divers. The wooden Hull, subjected to natural decay and exposure, has likely deteriorated, but significant portions of the structure may still be visible. The shallow depth and calm waters of the North Channel make this wreck an ideal site for exploration.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival details on shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Insights into regional maritime activity.

•Historical Collections, Bowling Green State University: Rich archives on Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

JACQUILINE, Car Ferry, Wooden Shipwreck, North Channel, Lake Huron, Great Lakes Maritime History, Shallow Wreck, Diving Site, Lost Vessel

Conclusion

The JACQUILINE stands as a testament to the vital role car ferries played in the development and connectivity of communities in the North Channel of Lake Huron. Though its operational history remains obscure, the wreck offers divers and historians a tangible connection to the maritime culture of the Great Lakes. Resting in just 12 feet of water, the site is a popular destination for those seeking to uncover the region’s storied past.