- Barge
- 50ffw 17m
- 64ft Length
- 46 06.983 N 83.49.450 W
History
Resting upright in 50 feet of water, the Mystery Barge remains an enigma of the Great Lakes. With approximate dimensions of 64 feet in length and 14 feet in beam, her true identity and history elude us.
The vessel’s hull is remarkably intact, with only minor damage to some outer strake planks, possibly explaining the cause of her sinking. It is believed that she was originally a small steamer or schooner that was later converted into a barge.
The cargo hold in the forward section of the barge still holds coal, suggesting her past as a cargo transporter. On the aft deck, there is a steam winch, although no boiler is present onboard. It appears that a rigid hose might have been used to supply steam power from the shore to operate the winch. Interestingly, the mechanism used to connect the barge to her tow is rather crude, consisting of a length of chain wrapped around the vessel’s stem. Unfortunately, the name board on the barge is illegible, leaving us with no clues to her true identity. As a result, she has come to be known as the Mystery Barge.
The exact circumstances of her loss are shrouded in uncertainty, contributing to her mysterious reputation. Divers exploring this intriguing wreck will find it largely intact, offering a glimpse into the past and the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Located north of Burnt Island, the Mystery Barge remains an unsolved puzzle, beckoning adventurous divers to uncover her secrets. It is a fascinating destination for those seeking the thrill of exploring an unknown piece of history lying beneath the waves.
As divers descend into the depths and encounter the Mystery Barge, they become part of the ongoing quest to solve the riddle surrounding this forgotten vessel, leaving their own mark on her elusive history.
