IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The wreck identified as Johnson is a wooden-hulled vessel over 200 feet in length, with its structure partially broken up. The vessel is noted for carrying a cargo of stone, which remains visible on board. The wreck’s ribs protrude from the hull, providing clues to its overall construction and condition. Wooden-hulled ships of this size were common on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries, often used for transporting bulk materials such as stone, coal, or other heavy cargo.
HISTORY #
The wreck located at Latitude 45°01’33.52″N, Longitude 83°20’48.87″W was initially identified as the Oscar Flint during survey LS1224/10, with a reported least depth of 19 feet. However, discrepancies arose when subsequent surveys and diver investigations provided conflicting information, particularly concerning the cargo type. The Oscar Flint was known to have carried coal, whereas the wreck in question clearly had a cargo of stone.
Further research and diver investigations, particularly by local dive charterer George Baker, led to the reidentification of the wreck as the Johnson. This identification was supported by descriptive information from survey CL574/82, which matched the characteristics of the wreck with the known details of the Johnson, including its cargo of stone.
The confusion in identification was further complicated by the presence of a nearby buoy, also associated with the Oscar Flint. However, the stone cargo aboard the wreck in question strongly suggests that it is indeed the Johnson, rather than the Oscar Flint.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Johnson lies submerged in Lake Huron at a depth of 21 feet. The wooden hull is partially broken up, with stone cargo still visible on board, and ribs protruding from the wreckage. The condition of the wreck indicates that it has been underwater for an extended period, and while salvage is not considered probable, the wreck is expected to deteriorate slowly over time. The site remains a significant hazard to navigation due to its shallow depth and structural protrusions.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was initially documented and identified as the Oscar Flint during survey LS1224/10 but was later reidentified as the Johnson based on further surveys and diver investigations, notably those conducted by George Baker. The most recent verification of the wreck’s location is at Latitude 45°01’33.650N, Longitude 083°20’51.061W, with a least depth of 22.690 feet. The site is included in the Hydrographic Cell (HCell), which necessitates further verification to confirm its identity definitively as the Johnson.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Given the wreck’s shallow depth and potential for misidentification, mariners should consult current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for advisories related to this wreck. The high quality of the position data ensures that the wreck is accurately charted, but its dangerous nature still requires careful navigation in the vicinity.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- NOAA AWOIS Database: NOAA AWOIS Database
CONCLUSION #
The wreck identified as Johnson, previously misidentified as the Oscar Flint, presents a fascinating case of maritime history and the challenges of underwater archeology in the Great Lakes. The wreck’s shallow depth of 21 feet and its structural remains make it a significant hazard to navigation, as well as a site of interest for historical research and diving exploration. Ongoing efforts to verify and confirm the wreck’s identity will help ensure the accuracy of maritime records and the safety of mariners navigating these waters.
KEYWORDS #
- Johnson shipwreck
- Lake Huron wreck
- Wooden-hulled vessel
- Submerged wreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Navigation hazard
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck is located at Latitude 45°01’33.52″N, Longitude 83°20’48.87″W, submerged at a depth of 21 feet in Lake Huron. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring this area, and should refer to the latest survey data and NOTMARs for safe passage and accurate positioning.
