IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Scanlon is identified as a wooden tugboat, a small but powerful vessel typically used for towing or pushing larger ships and barges. Wooden tugboats like the Scanlon were essential to the operations of harbors and waterways, helping to maneuver vessels in tight spaces or assisting them through difficult conditions. The Scanlon was approximately 50 feet in length, though some records suggest it may have been closer to 100 feet long with a beam of about 30 feet. The tug was likely involved in the transportation of stone, a common cargo for vessels of this type.
HISTORY #
The Scanlon was a wooden tugboat that operated on Lake Huron, known for its sturdy construction and practical design. The vessel met its fate in shallow waters, sinking in just 10 feet of water with a cargo of stone. The wreck has been broken up over time, leaving behind the ribs, planking, and some larger structural components such as the sidewalls, boiler, and propeller mast.
Historical records and surveys have documented the wreck’s position and condition over the years. Diver investigations have confirmed the presence of these structural remnants, which remain visible despite the vessel’s long submersion. The wreck has become a popular site for divers, though its shallow depth and deteriorated condition pose potential hazards.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Scanlon lies submerged in Lake Huron at a depth of 5 feet, making it a significant hazard to surface navigation. The wreck is broken up, with the ribs, planking, sidewalls, boiler, and propeller mast still visible. The tug’s shallow position and the fact that only portions of the structure remain intact suggest that it has been underwater for an extended period, with natural forces contributing to its current state. Despite its condition, the wreck is relatively well-preserved given its age and remains an interesting site for divers.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was documented in various surveys, including CL574/82, and its position has been consistently recorded at Latitude 45°03’17.2″N, Longitude 83°25’54.9″W. The most recent verification confirms the wreck’s location and shallow depth, emphasizing its potential danger to surface navigation. It is included in the Hydrographic Cell (HCell), ensuring that it is accurately charted and monitored.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Given the wreck’s shallow depth and its condition, mariners should consult current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for advisories related to this wreck. The site is known for varying visibility conditions, which may change seasonally, making navigation and diving around the wreck potentially hazardous.
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 of the Scanlon in Lake Huron is a significant navigational hazard due to its shallow depth and partially intact structure. The tugboat’s remnants, including the ribs, planking, and larger components like the boiler and propeller mast, are of historical interest and make the site a popular location for diving. However, the wreck’s dangerous nature requires careful monitoring and further verification to ensure the safety of mariners and divers alike.
KEYWORDS #
- Scanlon shipwreck
- Lake Huron tugboat
- Wooden tugboat wreck
- Submerged wreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Navigation hazard
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck is located at Latitude 45°03’17.2″N, Longitude 83°25’54.9″W, submerged at a depth of 5 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.
