Identification & Site Information

•Name: Unknown wooden Steamer

•Type: Wooden Steamer

•Location: Near Port Edward, Lake Huron

•Discovered By: Ray Heeringa (mid-1990s)

•Explored By: Divers Chris Schmid, Bill Simpson, and Fred Felter (Fall 2005)

•Depth: Approximately 40 feet (12.19 meters)

•Condition: Upright on the lake bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, stripped and burned to the waterline

Vessel Type Description

This shipwreck is of a wooden Steamer, typical of vessels used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for cargo and passenger transport on the Great Lakes. Its construction and design would have made it versatile for the region’s busy shipping routes, but the vessel’s identity and specific purpose remain unknown.

History

The wreck’s history is shrouded in mystery, with no definitive records of its name, date of launch, or reasons for its demise. Discovered by fisherman Ray Heeringa in the mid-1990s using a fishfinder, the wreck has intrigued divers and historians alike. The evidence suggests the Steamer may have been intentionally scuttled, a common practice for aging or unserviceable vessels. Its stripped and burned condition further supports this theory.

Diving the Wreck

The site, located at a manageable depth of 40 feet, is accessible to intermediate-level divers and offers an excellent opportunity for exploration. Due to its location near Port Edward, a boat is required to access the wreck. Its upright position on the lake bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg provides a remarkable view, adding to the allure of the dive site.

Condition

The shipwreck is in fair condition, given its age and history. The stripping of valuable equipment and burning prior to sinking indicates it was likely scuttled deliberately. This practice not only disposed of the vessel but also created an Artificial Reef for marine life, which divers can now observe.

Identification Efforts

Despite exploration efforts, the wreck’s identity remains unknown. Maritime historians and archaeologists may eventually uncover its story, piecing together clues from construction techniques, materials, and any artifacts found on-site.

Preservation

The wooden Steamer is protected by law, like all Great Lakes shipwrecks, to ensure its historical and environmental value is preserved. Divers are encouraged to follow the “leave no trace” principles, ensuring the wreck remains intact for study and enjoyment by future generations.

Exploration and Heritage

This shipwreck near Port Edward not only offers a fascinating dive site but also represents a chapter of maritime history yet to be written. As an underwater time capsule, it holds potential insights into the Great Lakes’ storied past. Its exploration challenges historians and archaeologists to uncover its origins and connect it to the broader narrative of regional shipping and transportation.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Potential repository for records of similar vessels.

2.Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center: Resources for research and preservation guidance.

3.3DShipwrecks.org: Site offering detailed shipwreck mapping and imaging tools.

Keywords:

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Port Edward Shipwreck

•Lake Huron Maritime History

•Wooden Steamer

•Scuttled Vessels

•Unidentified Shipwrecks