IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The wreck, historically identified as a 300-foot steel barge, was a large vessel used likely for transporting bulk materials across the Great Lakes. Steel barges of this size were common during the industrial era, built for durability and capacity. They were often employed to transport heavy cargoes such as coal, ore, or construction materials.
HISTORY #
The wreck at Latitude 45.233347°N, Longitude 83.329972°W in Lake Huron was historically reported as a submerged barge. It was first identified with dimensions of 50×300 feet, located at an approximate position of 45°15’N latitude and 83°19’48″W longitude, at a depth of 38 feet. The barge was recognized as a significant navigational hazard due to its size and proximity to the water’s surface.
The barge was eventually salvaged by Pan Oceanic of Alpena, a notable operation that was documented in a motion picture, highlighting the scale and complexity of the salvage process. The successful recovery of this large steel barge eliminated the immediate hazard it posed to surface navigation.
Given the salvage operation, there are no further survey requirements for this wreck. However, the historical significance of the salvage and the prior hazard it posed make it an interesting case in Great Lakes maritime history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The barge wreck has been fully salvaged and no longer poses a danger to navigation. The site was previously a hazard due to the shallow depth at which the barge rested, but the successful recovery operation by Pan Oceanic removed the wreckage from the water. The specific coordinates provided relate to the last known position of the wreck prior to its salvage.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was identified and recorded historically, with the salvage operation conducted by Pan Oceanic of Alpena. The exact dates of the salvage and initial wreck discovery are not provided, but the operation’s documentation through a motion picture suggests it was a significant event, likely occurring in the mid-20th century.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Given the wreck’s successful salvage, there are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. Mariners should be aware of the historical site but do not need to take any special precautions as the barge has been fully removed.
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
CONCLUSION #
The steel barge wreck, historically identified and salvaged by Pan Oceanic of Alpena, was once a significant navigational hazard in Lake Huron. The successful salvage operation, documented in a motion picture, removed the wreck and ensured the safety of maritime activities in the area. While the wreck no longer poses a threat, its history remains an interesting chapter in the Great Lakes’ maritime legacy.
KEYWORDS #
- Lake Huron wreck
- Steel barge salvage
- Submerged wreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Navigation hazard
- Pan Oceanic salvage
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The last known position of the wreck before its salvage was Latitude 45.233347°N, Longitude 83.329972°W. Although the wreck has been removed, the historical significance of the site remains noteworthy for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history.
