IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The vessel, though unidentified, is believed to be a schooner based on the visible features reported from various surveys. Schooners were commonly used for cargo transport across the Great Lakes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These vessels typically featured two or more masts, with sails that allowed them to navigate efficiently through the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. The schooner in question appears to have been wooden, measuring approximately 100 feet in length and 30 feet in width, with high sidewalls standing about 6 feet tall.
HISTORY #
The history of this wreck is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been a schooner, based on the structure and features identified during underwater surveys. The wreck lies at a shallow depth of 6 feet in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, an area known for its rich maritime history and numerous shipwrecks. The wreck was first identified in historical survey H9839/79, which provided initial details about its location and condition.
Features such as a 4-blade, 10-foot propeller, rudder post, anchor chain, and the boiler suggest that the vessel had both sailing and steam-powered capabilities, indicating that it may have been an auxiliary schooner—a common vessel type during the transition period from sail to steam power.
The Thunder Bay Shipwreck Survey Report (CL574/82) noted that the wreck had experienced significant deterioration over time, yet key elements like the boiler and propeller mast were still visible as of 1975. This deterioration is typical for wooden vessels in the Great Lakes, which are subject to the harsh underwater environment.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck remains submerged in Thunder Bay at a depth of approximately 6 feet, with some parts, like the rudder post, sitting as shallow as 5 feet below the surface. The wreck has deteriorated significantly over time, but certain structural elements are still visible, making it an intriguing site for divers. However, the wreck also poses a navigational hazard due to its shallow depth and partially exposed features.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was initially recorded in survey H9839/79 and further documented in the Thunder Bay Shipwreck Survey Report (CL574/82). More recent investigations under AWOIS item H12132, using a Simrad 3002 multibeam system, have provided updated positioning and depth information, confirming the wreck’s status as a hazard to navigation.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Mariners should consult the latest Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for advisories related to this wreck. Given its shallow depth and the possibility of portions of the wreck being near or above the water’s surface, it is critical for vessels navigating Thunder Bay to be aware of its location. The updated survey data is essential for ensuring safe passage in the area.
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 unidentified wreck in Thunder Bay, believed to be that of a schooner, offers a fascinating dive site but also poses a significant risk to navigation due to its shallow depth. The wreck, marked by visible features such as a propeller and boiler, represents a piece of Lake Huron’s maritime history. The updated survey data from AWOIS item H12132 has provided crucial information for ensuring the safety of vessels in the area while preserving the historical significance of the site.
KEYWORDS #
- Thunder Bay schooner wreck
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Submerged wreck
- Maritime history
- Shipwreck diving site
- Navigation hazard
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck is located at Latitude 45°05’05.0″N, Longitude 83°26’05.0″W, in 6 feet of water in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring this area, and refer to the latest survey data for safe passage and accurate positioning.
