Crane

Wreck Description #

The wreck of the construction crane lies upright on the bottom of Lake Huron in 70 feet of water. The massive boom of the crane has collapsed forward and partially lies on the lakebed, creating a unique underwater landscape. The crane’s position and the intact nature of the wreck make it a fascinating dive site, offering divers an unusual opportunity to explore a modern piece of construction equipment resting beneath the waves.

History #

In the fall of 2005, a tugboat towing a barge up Lake Huron encountered rough seas while navigating along the south shore of Drummond Island toward DeTour Passage. During this challenging passage, the tug lost partial control of the barge. In the ensuing struggle to regain control, the barge lost its cargo overboard—a large construction crane.

Despite efforts to recover control of the barge, the crane was lost overboard and sank to the bottom of Lake Huron. To this day, the crane remains on the lakebed, resting upright in 70 feet of water. The incident underscores the hazards of transporting heavy equipment across the Great Lakes, where rough seas can easily turn routine operations into risky endeavors.

Wreck Location #

The crane lies at a depth of 70 feet, south of Espanore Island, along the south side of Drummond Island. The site is about 3.75 miles east of DeTour Passage, a well-known navigational route in Lake Huron.

Resources & Links #

• YouTube Video of the Crane: View the crane wreck video
• Great Lakes Wrecks Database: Visit Drummond Island

Conclusion #

The unintentional sinking of the construction crane near Drummond Island adds a modern chapter to the storied history of shipwrecks in Lake Huron. While not a traditional shipwreck, the crane offers a unique dive experience, highlighting the unexpected hazards of maritime transport and the ongoing interactions between human industry and the natural environment of the Great Lakes.

Keywords: #

• Lake Huron
• Drummond Island
• Shipwreck
• Crane Wreck
• Construction Crane
• Maritime Accident
• Great Lakes Diving
• Modern Wrecks
• Underwater Exploration

This wreck serves as a reminder that even in modern times, the Great Lakes continue to be a challenging environment for maritime operations, with the potential for unexpected losses and the creation of new dive sites for future generations to explore.