The wreck with record number 2364 is the “SMITH MARE,” a submerged vessel that poses a danger to surface navigation. It is located at approximately LAT 46.457011, LON -86.614797, with a high-quality Global Positioning (GP) accuracy. The wreck is at a depth of 67 feet, measured in feet and tenths.
According to historical information, the “SMITH MARE” was a 275-foot wooden schooner that sank in 1889. It now lies at a depth of 82 feet in Lake Superior. The wreck has been privately buoyed for safety reasons.
Over the years, various surveys and measurements have been conducted to determine the exact location and depth of the wreck. The wreck’s position has been adjusted to NAD83 using a datum shift provided by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). In 1993, an echosounder depth of 69 feet was obtained, and in 1994, the position was revised to LAT 46-27-25.24N, LON 86-36-53.27W (NAD83) through Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technology.
Due to the submerged nature of the wreck and its potential hazard to navigation, caution is advised when navigating in this area. The “SMITH MARE” is one of the many intriguing shipwrecks that contribute to the rich maritime history and diving opportunities in Lake Superior.
