1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Mary Maclachlan was a wooden-hulled schooner, typical of the type used on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These vessels were essential for the transportation of bulk goods such as lumber, grain, and other commodities across the vast expanse of the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Mary Maclachlan were characterized by their multiple masts and reliance on sail power, though some were later retrofitted with auxiliary steam engines.
3. HISTORY #
Details on the history of the Mary Maclachlan are limited. As a wooden schooner, the vessel would have been part of the extensive fleet that serviced the growing industries around the Great Lakes. These vessels were the workhorses of their time, transporting goods between ports and serving the burgeoning economic needs of the region.
The Mary Maclachlan’s history likely includes various voyages and possibly several incidents typical of Great Lakes shipping, such as groundings, collisions, or weather-related damage. The vessel’s ultimate fate was sealed when it sank in Mountain Bay, Lake Superior, and came to rest at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters).
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Mary Maclachlan sank in Mountain Bay, Lake Superior, at coordinates 48° 54.66′ N, 87° 48.06′ W. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 30 feet (9 meters), making it relatively accessible for divers. The circumstances surrounding the sinking are not detailed, but it is likely that the schooner met its end due to the challenging conditions often faced on the Great Lakes, such as storms or grounding.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Mary Maclachlan. The wreck’s shallow depth suggests it does not pose a significant hazard to navigation but should still be noted by mariners in the area.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Mary Maclachlan is located in Mountain Bay, Lake Superior, at the coordinates 48° 54.66′ N, 87° 48.06′ W. The specific date of the wreck’s discovery is not provided.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Mary Maclachlan lies at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters), making it easily accessible to divers of all experience levels. The condition of the wreck is not described, but as a wooden vessel, it is likely that the structure may have deteriorated over time. However, the shallow depth offers good opportunities for exploration and photography.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The Mary Maclachlan is an example of the many wooden schooners that played a vital role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Although specific details about the vessel’s service history are scarce, its presence on the lake and subsequent sinking contribute to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the area. The wreck offers a valuable site for study and exploration, providing insights into the construction and operation of schooners during this period.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the Mary Maclachlan is located at a shallow depth of 30 feet (9 meters), making it accessible to recreational divers. The site is suitable for beginner divers, and the shallow waters allow for extended dive times and the opportunity to thoroughly explore the wreck. As with any dive on historical wrecks, divers should take care not to disturb the site and should respect its historical significance.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- Wooden Schooner
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Diving Site
CONCLUSION #
The wooden schooner Mary Maclachlan, now resting in Mountain Bay, Lake Superior, serves as a reminder of the essential role these vessels played in the development of the Great Lakes region. The wreck’s accessibility and historical significance make it an intriguing site for divers and maritime historians alike. Although details on the vessel’s operational history may be limited, its contribution to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes is undeniable.
