45°59’19.1″N 83°53’52.4″W

Identification & Site Information

•Record ID: 5591

•Feature Type: Wreck – Visible

•Coordinates:

•Latitude: 45.988908

•Longitude: -83.897225

•Depth: Exposed, with parts bare at 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Dimensions: Approximately 90 x 320 feet (27 x 98 meters)

•Condition: Visible; identified as remains of a large side-wheel Steamboat.

•Accessibility: Parts of the wreck are exposed, making it visible and accessible for observation or shallow diving.

Historical Overview

•Yearsunk: Unknown.

•Description: Historical records indicate the wreck is likely the remains of an old side-wheel Steamboat. Initial surveys suggested two submerged wrecks in the area; subsequent investigations revealed a single large wreck.

•Survey History:

•1936 (LS1703/36): Two wrecks identified at approximate coordinates 45-59-19.1N, 83-53-52.4W.

•1982 (CL213/82): Determined to be one large exposed wreck in 45-59-20N, 83-53-50W.

•1984-85 (TP00361): The wreck was not visible in aerial photos.

•1989 (H10313/89): OPR-X278 survey identified the wreck as a 90×320-foot structure, partially exposed.

Vessel Description

•Type: Side-wheel Steamboat.

•Construction: Wooden Hull with visible remnants of large paddle wheels.

•Length: Approximately 320 feet.

•Width: Approximately 90 feet.

Side-wheel steamboats were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes. The large dimensions suggest this vessel was a significant part of regional trade or transport networks.

Location Notes

The wreck lies at the specified coordinates near St. Marys River, likely in a shallow area accessible for surface observation and shallow dives. Historical depth soundings indicate exposed sections protruding 8 feet above the waterline during surveys.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Wrecks

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records

•NOAA Charts: Lake Huron Wrecks

Conclusion

This large, exposed wreck of a side-wheel Steamboat adds a fascinating chapter to the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Its Visibility and accessibility make it an intriguing site for history enthusiasts and divers alike. Further identification and documentation may yield insights into its origins and role in Great Lakes commerce.

Keywords: #SideWheelSteamboat #LakeHuronWreck #VisibleWreck #GreatLakesShipwrecks #HistoricalMaritimeSites