Wreck Report: GEORGE H. ELY

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: GEORGE H. ELY

• Type: Schooner Barge

• Location: Detour Shoal, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Latitude 45° 57.582’ N, Longitude 83° 54.333’ W

• Dimensions:

• Length: 180 feet (55 meters)

• Depth: 15–21 feet (5–7 meters)

• Accessibility: Accessible by boat; suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to the size and spread of the wreckage.

Vessel Type Description

The GEORGE H. ELY was a Schooner Barge, a robust vessel designed for bulk freight transportation, including iron ore, coal, and grain. Built in 1871 at the Leighton and Fitzgerald Shipyard in Port Huron, Michigan, the ELY played a vital role in the thriving maritime trade of the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Superior.

History

The GEORGE H. ELY met its end in October 1882 during a routine voyage. Towed by the Steamer H. B. TUTTLE, the Schooner Barge was transporting coal to Portage, Michigan, when it strayed too far west in the Detour Passage. The error led to the vessel grounding on Detour Shoal, south of Detour, Michigan.

Relentless waves battered the stranded vessel, causing catastrophic damage. Despite salvage attempts, the Schooner Barge was declared a Total Loss on November 2, 1882. The cargo of coal was salvaged, but the vessel itself was left to succumb to the shoal’s unforgiving conditions.

Final Disposition

The wreckage of the GEORGE H. ELY is scattered in shallow waters, north of Detour Shoal and on the west side of Detour Passage. The remains include:

• A bow section

• A Stern section

• One side of the Hull

• Various small debris pieces

The wreck is spread over a wide area, creating an engaging exploration site for divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The Hull is heavily damaged, with portions salvaged during the initial loss. The scattered wreckage remains visible and offers a haunting insight into the vessel’s tragic end.

• Accessibility: Accessible via boat; the shallow depth of 15–21 feet makes the site suitable for intermediate divers. The calm conditions in the bay allow for easier navigation, but care must be taken due to the spread of the wreckage.

Diving Highlights

1. Historical Significance:

• A poignant site representing the perils of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping.

• Provides insight into the Schooner Barge’s construction and its role in maritime trade.

2. Wreck Features:

• Visible sections of the Hull, bow, and Stern, as well as debris from the vessel.

• The wreck’s shallow depth makes it ideal for underwater exploration and photography.

3. Wildlife:

• The wreck serves as an Artificial Reef, attracting diverse aquatic life.

Cautions for Divers

• Scattered Wreckage: The wide distribution of debris requires careful navigation and buoyancy control.

• Current Awareness: While the site is sheltered, currents may vary depending on weather conditions.

• Sharp Edges: Divers should avoid contact with the wreckage to prevent injury and further damage to the site.

Tags

• GEORGE H. ELY

• Lake Huron Wrecks

• Detour Passage

• Schooner Barge

• Great Lakes Maritime History

• Shallow Dive Sites

Conclusion

The wreck of the GEORGE H. ELY is a compelling dive site for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history. Its scattered remains, located in the calm waters of Detour Passage, offer a unique opportunity to explore a once-proud Schooner Barge and reflect on the challenges faced by sailors in the 19th century. For divers, the site combines history, exploration, and underwater photography in a serene yet solemn setting, preserving the memory of the vessel and its lost era.