Finn Mccool – Lake Superior Barge Shipwreck (1964)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Finn McCool
• Type: Derrick Barge
• Year Built: 1926
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 135 ft (41.1 m); Width: 34 ft (10.4 m); Depth: 7.7 ft (2.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 6.1 m / 20 ft
• Location: Near Bayfield, Wisconsin
• Official Number: 169725

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Finn McCool was a wooden derrick barge, a specialized vessel equipped for lifting and construction operations, particularly in harbour and maritime settings. These barges often carried heavy equipment like winches and cranes for industrial tasks.

Description

Built in 1926, the Finn McCool served as a work vessel, playing a significant role in construction and other heavy-duty tasks on the Great Lakes. In 1964, the vessel was scuttled in Lake Superior, near Bayfield, Wisconsin, marking the end of its operational life. Scuttling was a common method of retiring vessels no longer viable for use.

History

The wreck has been documented by local diving communities and the Wisconsin Historical Society. It is part of Wisconsin’s rich maritime history and contributes to the understanding of work vessels on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

• The wreck of the Finn McCool lies in 20 ft (6.1 m) of water, near the shore of Lake Superior.
• The site has degraded significantly over the last 40 years due to environmental exposure.
• The hull lies with its bow toward the shore, and much of the deck and sides have collapsed.
• The blunt bow has collapsed and rests flat on the lakebed.
• Most of the winches remain in place, though at least one has fallen into the bilge.
• The “X” cross beam supports running longitudinally inside the hull remain mostly intact toward the stern, providing insights into the vessel’s construction.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Finn McCool lies in 20 ft (6.1 m) of water, near the shore of Lake Superior. The site has degraded significantly over the last 40 years due to environmental exposure.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The shallow depth makes the site accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers. However, the fragile state of the wreck requires care to avoid further degradation. Divers should follow legal and ethical guidelines prohibiting the removal of artifacts from the site.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the Finn McCool, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this historical site and its surroundings.