Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unknown Wreckage near Spanish
• Area: North Channel, Lake Huron
• Location: Northeast of Little Detroit Passage
• GPS Coordinates: To Be Verified — estimated area approx. 46°10′ N, 82°20′ W
• Type: Shore Dive – Mixed Artificial and Historic Wreckage

Histor

The exact history of the wooden wreckage found at this site remains unknown. The area is known for heavy commercial and recreational boating traffic dating back to the lumber and mining boom of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Alongside the historical wreckage, a modern pleasure craft was purposely sunk at the site to enhance diver interest, making this a blended historical and Artificial Reef dive.

Site Description

This site offers a shallow and well-protected dive in the North Channel, ideal for newer divers looking for an accessible site with visible wreckage and easy shore access.

• Maximum Depth: 12 metres (40 feet)
• Entry: Shore access from a small beach or from a boat anchored just offshore
• Visibility: Typically good, averaging 5-8 metres (15-25 feet)

Features of Interest

• Purposely Sunk Pleasure Boat – Intact enough for basic exploration, this provides a modern Artificial Reef experience.
• Old Wooden Wreckage – Scattered across the natural bottom, these remnants are thought to be from early commercial vessels or logging support boats from the 19th or early 20th centuries.
• Natural Features: The site is well protected from west winds, making it a reliable site even when other areas are rough.

Experience Rating

✅ Novice
With its shallow depth, shore access, and easy navigation, this site is suitable for open water divers and new wreck enthusiasts. Minimal current and good protection add to its suitability for newer divers.

Directions to Site

1. Launch from Spanish Marina in Spanish, Ontario.
2. Travel south to Little Detroit Passage.
3. After clearing Little Detroit, turn east and then north-east.
4. Rounding the first point past the passage, you will find a small bay with two small rocky islands nearby.
5. The dive site sits just off the small beach inside this bay.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• No NOTMARs are currently issued for this site.
• As always, carry a dive flag, especially if diving from shore.
• Recreational boaters pass through Little Detroit Passage frequently in summer — expect occasional boat traffic.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks – North Channel
• Spanish Marina – Launch site and local info

Conclusion

The Unknown Wreckage near Spanish is a hidden gem in the North Channel, offering a unique two-for-one dive blending local maritime history with modern Artificial Reef appeal. The combination of shallow depth, good Visibility, and shore access makes it a perfect training or beginner wreck dive, while still holding interest for more experienced divers thanks to the historic wooden wreckage.

Keywords & Categories

Unknown Wreck, Spanish Ontario, North Channel, Little Detroit Passage, Shore Dive, Artificial Reef, Historical Wreckage, Novice Dive Site, Inland Wreck, Freshwater Wreck Diving, Great Lakes Dive Sites