Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Ann Arbor No. 5 US 208261

Explore the wreck of Ann Arbor No. 5, a significant steel-hulled railcar ferry, resting in deep waters off South Haven, Michigan.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Ann Arbor No. 5
  • Type: Steel-hulled railcar ferry
  • Year Built: 1910
  • Builder: Toledo Shipbuilding Co., Toledo, Ohio
  • Dimensions: 360 ft LOA × 56.3 ft beam × 18.9 ft draft
  • Registered Tonnage: 2,884 GT (later remeasured to 2,988 GT, 2,032 NT)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 48.77 m / 160 ft
  • Location: Approx. N 42° 22.760′, W 86° 27.427′, WSW of South Haven harbor
  • Coordinates: Approx. N 42° 22.760′, W 86° 27.427′
  • Official Number: US 208261
  • Original Owners: Ann Arbor Railroad, Bulk Food Carriers, Bultema Dredge & Dock Co.
  • Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Steel-hulled railcar ferry (twin-screw cross-lake)

Description

Configuration: One continuous rail deck with stern sea gate; central superstructure; coal-fired steam propulsion later converted to oil (1964).

History

Operational History: 1910–1966: Operated by Ann Arbor Railroad on Lake Michigan routes (Frankfort, Elberta, Manitowoc, etc.). Converted to oil in 1964. Sold in 1966 to Bulk Food Carriers (San Francisco) via U.S. Maritime Commission trade-in. 1967: Acquired by Bultema Dredge & Dock Co., cut down for use as temporary breakwater at Palisades Nuclear Plant near South Haven, Michigan (1967–1969).

Significant Incidents

  • Winter 1969–1970: Breakwater structure began to fail during severe storms; forward section scrapped, while the aft ~150 ft was towed—but sank ~4–8 miles offshore at ~160 ft depth after pumps failed.

Final Disposition

Site Location: Approx. N 42° 22.760′, W 86° 27.427′, ~160 ft deep, WSW of South Haven harbor. Discovery: Wreck located in 2005 via Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) with side-scan sonar and dive investigations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: Intact stern section resting upright in deep water, partly embedded; technical dives possible but deep (~50 m). Documentation: MSRA identified the wreck as “Ann Arbor No. 5” and notified the Coast Guard; survey data confirms site integrity. Hazards: Depth and currents limit recreational diving to advanced technical operations; navigation buoys or hazard markers not currently installed.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

Ann Arbor No. 5 stands as a testament to Great Lakes transportation evolution—from large steel car ferry to utilitarian breakwater. Its resting place off South Haven offers a deep-water archaeological target with high research value. Archival records and MSRA investigations form a robust foundation—but advanced offshore documentation and conservation efforts are recommended to preserve this industrial heritage site.