Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

A. R. Colborn and Crane

Explore the preserved wreck of the A. R. Colborn, a wooden steamer from 1882, located in the St. Clair River near Sarnia, Ontario.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: A. R. Colborn
  • Type: Wooden Steamer
  • Year Built: 1882
  • Builder: Saugatuck, Michigan, USA
  • Dimensions: Length: 129 ft 9 in (39.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 10.7 m / 35 ft
  • Location: St. Clair River, near Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Wooden Steamer

Description

This wooden steamer, constructed in 1882 in Saugatuck, Michigan, served for several decades before being abandoned in 1922. Despite its abandonment, the wreck remains relatively preserved on the riverbed, offering divers a chance to explore its mechanical elements, including the boiler and engine.

Orientation: The steamer lies on the riverbed in the St. Clair River. Its exact orientation depends on how it settled post-abandonment, but it is likely stable enough for exploration by divers with appropriate training.

History

This wreck site is ideal for novice to intermediate divers due to its accessible depth of 35 feet. However, divers should exercise caution as currents in the St. Clair River can be strong and visibility can vary. Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and diving with a certified operator are essential.

Significant Incidents

  • The wreck retains its boiler, engine, and structural hull components, providing a glimpse into the engineering of late 19th-century wooden steamers.
  • There is also a separate wreck at the site—a crane that sank in 1953—adding an additional point of interest for divers.

Final Disposition

The wooden steamer’s abandonment reflects the evolution of maritime commerce and technology. Its presence in the St. Clair River, coupled with the later sinking of a crane, creates a unique diving site that combines historical intrigue with underwater exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Before diving, verify the site conditions, including current strength and visibility, with local diving operators. Ensure proper certification and familiarity with wreck diving techniques. Consider hiring a guide familiar with the site.

Resources & Links

The wooden steamer in the St. Clair River near Sarnia is a captivating dive site, offering historical significance and structural remnants for exploration. It stands as a testament to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and the St. Clair River region.