Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Dickinson Island Wreck

Explore the intriguing wreck in the Middle Channel, known for its unique sonar shape and historical significance. A dive site for intermediate divers.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Dickinson Island Wreck
  • Type: Unidentified Hull
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 7.6 m / 25 ft
  • Location: Middle Channel, Dickinson Island side, south of the no-wake zone

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Unidentified Hull

Description

The wreck is in a severely deteriorated state with distinct features visible on sonar and underwater:

  • Structural Damage: Deck separated from the hull and slid to starboard, especially noticeable at the bow. This displacement creates a “scissor” shape in sonar images, giving the illusion of doubled structural elements.
  • Machinery and Hardware: Remnants of shipboard machinery and hardware are visible on the wreck. These elements could provide clues about the vessel’s original purpose and design.
  • Dimensions and Features: The wreck stands 6 meters (20 feet) tall, making it a prominent underwater structure.

History

The wreck’s identity remains unclear, but it provides an intriguing site for local divers and maritime enthusiasts. Its unusual “scissor” shape on sonar and prominent underwater presence make it a distinctive feature of the Middle Channel.

Significant Incidents

  • The wreck lies in 7.6 meters (25 feet) of water.
  • Least depth above wreck: 1.5 meters (5 feet).
  • Orientation: Bow pointing up current, listing 45 degrees to starboard.

Final Disposition

While the wreck’s identity remains uncertain, the machinery and hardware onboard could help determine its original purpose or timeline. A dive survey could help map the wreck’s full layout, focusing on identifying machinery and unique features.

Current Condition & Accessibility

On clear days, the wreck can be visible from the surface. Look for ripples or disturbances above the wreck to pinpoint its location. Use the nearby clearing in the weeds for anchoring a small boat safely. The depth and listing angle make it an interesting site for intermediate divers, but caution is advised due to unstable sections of the deck and hull.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”dickinson-island-wreck” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

This wreck is a significant site for underwater exploration and historical research. Divers are encouraged to document their findings and contribute to the understanding of this maritime feature while adhering to ethical practices—leave only bubbles, take only memories.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Identification & Site Information

Wreck Location: Middle Channel, Dickinson Island side, south of the no-wake zone

Depth:

  • Wreck lies in 7.6 meters (25 feet) of water
  • Least depth above wreck: 1.5 meters (5 feet)
  • Orientation: Bow pointing up current, listing 45 degrees to starboard

Visibility: Can sometimes be seen from the surface in clear water; ripples above the wreck may help identify its location

Access: A small clearing in nearby weeds allows for anchoring small boats for shore diving.

Wreck Description

The wreck is in a severely deteriorated state with distinct features visible on sonar and underwater:

  • Structural Damage:
    • Deck separated from the hull and slid to starboard, especially noticeable at the bow.
    • This displacement creates a “scissor” shape in sonar images, giving the illusion of doubled structural elements.
  • Machinery and Hardware:
    • Remnants of shipboard machinery and hardware are visible on the wreck.
    • These elements could provide clues about the vessel’s original purpose and design.
  • Dimensions and Features:
    • The wreck stands 6 meters (20 feet) tall, making it a prominent underwater structure.

Site Accessibility and Diving Tips

Visibility Conditions:

On clear days, the wreck can be visible from the surface. Look for ripples or disturbances above the wreck to pinpoint its location.

Anchoring Point:

Use the nearby clearing in the weeds for anchoring a small boat safely.

Diving Considerations:

  • The depth and listing angle make it an interesting site for intermediate divers.
  • Be cautious of unstable sections of the deck and hull due to the advanced deterioration.

Significance

This wreck provides an intriguing site for local divers and maritime enthusiasts. Its unusual “scissor” shape on sonar and prominent underwater presence make it a distinctive feature of the Middle Channel. While the wreck’s identity remains unclear, the machinery and hardware onboard could help determine its original purpose or timeline.

Recommendations for Exploration

  • Survey and Documentation:
    • A dive survey could help map the wreck’s full layout, focusing on identifying machinery and unique features.
  • Photographic and Sonar Imaging:
    • High-resolution imaging can capture the wreck’s current state for historical preservation and further study.
  • Historical Research:
    • Review local maritime records to match this wreck’s characteristics with known lost vessels in the Middle Channel area.

Keywords

Middle Channel Wreck, Dickinson Island, Shipwreck Diving, Sonar Imaging, Underwater Exploration, St. Clair River Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime.

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