IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
This site features the remains of a wooden steamer, a type of vessel that was widely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for various purposes, including cargo transport and passenger service. The steamer was powered by a boiler and engine, typical of the era before diesel engines became dominant. The wooden construction of the vessel reflects the shipbuilding practices of the time, where wood was still a common material despite the growing use of steel.
HISTORY #
The wooden steamer at this site was constructed in 1882 in Saugatuck, Michigan, a hub of shipbuilding during that period. The vessel likely served a variety of roles on the Great Lakes, transporting goods or possibly passengers across the region’s vast network of waterways. By the early 20th century, however, the steamer had likely become outdated, overshadowed by more modern, steel-hulled vessels. On April 28, 1922, the steamer was abandoned in the St. Clair River. Despite its abandonment, significant portions of the vessel, including the boiler, engine, and hull, remain at the site today, offering a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The steamer was abandoned on April 28, 1922, leaving behind its boiler, engine, and hull. These remnants rest at a depth of 35 feet in the St. Clair River, a testament to the vessel’s once-active service life. In 1953, a crane was also lost at this site in a separate incident, adding another layer of historical significance to the location.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The specific details of the site’s discovery are not provided. However, the remaining structure and its components have likely been known to local divers and historians for some time, given the prominent location in the St. Clair River.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are mentioned specifically for this site. The wreck lies in relatively shallow water, but divers should be cautious of the remnants, including the boiler, engine, and the crane lost in 1953.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- 3D Shipwrecks
- Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks
- University of Detroit Mercy Archives
- Ship Photos
- Library and Archives Canada
- Library of Congress
CONCLUSION #
The remains of this wooden steamer offer a unique diving opportunity in the St. Clair River. With its relatively shallow depth and accessible location, the site is suitable for novice to intermediate divers. The presence of the boiler, engine, and a crane adds to the site’s historical interest, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history.
Keywords: Wooden steamer, Great Lakes shipwreck, St. Clair River, Sarnia, 1922 shipwreck, crane wreck, maritime history, Great Lakes diving.
