Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: D. M. Wilson
- Type: Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: 179 ft (54.56 m); Width: 38 ft (11.58 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12.19 m / 40 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
- Coordinates: 45° 03.920′ N, 83° 10.928′ W
- Official Number: 6772
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The D. M. Wilson was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter designed for transporting heavy cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
The wreck of the D. M. Wilson lies upright on the lakebed in shallow water. The hull remains intact, though the stern is broken and much of the deck and cabins are missing. The engine, boilers, and propulsion system are no longer present, likely salvaged or destroyed. The anchor windlass remains on-site, providing insight into the vessel’s anchoring system.
History
The D. M. Wilson was constructed in 1873 and played a significant role in the industrialization of the Great Lakes region by transporting iron ore, coal, and grain. The vessel sank in 1894 in Lake Huron, with the cause of the sinking undocumented, likely due to harsh conditions faced by wooden ships.
Significant Incidents
- Sank in 1894 in Lake Huron.
Final Disposition
The wreck is part of Michigan’s underwater heritage and is protected. Divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing or removing artifacts, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers at a depth of 40 ft (12.19 m). Visibility can vary, but the shallow depth often allows for decent conditions. The site serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wooden freighters in an era of evolving maritime technology.
Resources & Links
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The D. M. Wilson is an important example of a 19th-century wooden bulk freighter, highlighting its role in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Its intact hull and remaining anchor windlass provide valuable insights into ship construction and cargo operations during the late 19th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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