Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Frying Pan Island Wreck

Explore the submerged remains of an unidentified wreck in Lake Huron, posing a navigational hazard with depths ranging from 6 to 32 feet.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Wreck – Submerged
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 135 ft (41.15 m) X 36 ft; Depth of hold varies from 6 ft to 32 ft
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 9.14 m / 30 ft
  • Location: 45°59'13.3"N 83°53'50.1"W
  • Coordinates: 45°59'13.3"N 83°53'50.1"W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation

Description

The Frying Pan Island Wreck is an unidentified submerged wreck located in Lake Huron. The wreck lies partially submerged, with significant sections ranging in depth from 6 feet to 32 feet depending on location and water levels. It poses a danger to surface navigation, particularly in shallow water near the bow.

History

Initial Identification (1972): The wreck was located via survey at Latitude 45°59’14.5″N and Longitude 83°53’49″W. It was described as lying on a slope in 30 feet of water, with a fathometer least depth of 15 feet at Low Water Datum (LWD).

1984-1985 Updates: Survey efforts indicated the wreck was not visible on aerial photos. It was entered into the Marine Safety Manual (MSM) in November 1987.

1989 Dive & Survey (H10310/89): Conducted as part of OPR-X278-AHP-89 operations, the wreck was described as having a length of 135 feet and a width of 36 feet. It features a wooden hull with a steel frame and lies on its starboard side, aligned southeast to northwest. Depths were recorded as 6 feet at the bow, 11 feet at the midsection, and 14 feet at the stern. The evaluator recommended replacing the charted sunken wreck symbol with a 6-foot wreck marker, which was implemented in July 1991.

Significant Incidents

  • Navigational Hazard: Mariners must avoid this location due to the shallow depth of the wreck, especially near the bow.
  • Chart Updates: Historical recommendations to adjust charted symbols to accurately reflect the wreck’s condition and depth were implemented as of 1991.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains submerged and poses a navigational hazard. It has been documented in various surveys and is included in the Marine Safety Database.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is partially submerged and poses a danger to surface navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in the area, especially in shallow waters.

Resources & Links

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

This unidentified wreck represents a navigational hazard in shallow water near 45°59’13.26″N, 83°53’50.06″W in Lake Huron. Though its origin remains unknown, detailed surveys have provided valuable insights into its dimensions, orientation, and potential risk to surface navigation. This site offers an intriguing location for further exploration or research, adding to the storied maritime history of the Great Lakes.

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.

45°59’13.3″N 83°53’50.1″W

Identification & Site Information

  • Record Number: 5590
  • Vessel Name: Unknown
  • Feature Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
  • Location:
    • Latitude: 45.987036
    • Longitude: -83.897242
  • Coordinates (NAD27):
    • Latitude: 45°59’13.26″N
    • Longitude: 83°53’50.06″W
  • Depth:
    • Ranges from 6 feet to 32 feet, with a least depth of 6 feet (bow) at Low Water Datum (LWD).
  • Sounding Type: Feet and tenths
  • GP Quality: High

History

Initial Identification (1972):

  • Located via survey in Latitude 45°59’14.5″N and Longitude 83°53’49″W.
  • The wreck was described as lying on a slope in 30 feet of water, with a fathometer least depth of 15 feet at LWD.

1984-1985 Updates:

  • Survey efforts indicated the wreck was not visible on aerial photos.
  • Entered into the Marine Safety Manual (MSM) in November 1987.

1989 Dive & Survey (H10310/89):

  • Conducted as part of OPR-X278-AHP-89 operations.
  • Wreck description:
    • Length: 135 feet
    • Width: 36 feet
  • Construction: Wooden hull with a steel frame
  • Orientation: Lying on its starboard side, aligned southeast to northwest.
  • Depths:
    • Bow: 6 feet (pole sounding)
    • Midsection: 11 feet
    • Stern: 14 feet (diver gauge).
    • Depths were reduced to LWD for accuracy.
  • Evaluator recommended removing the charted sunken wreck symbol and replacing it with a 6-foot wreck marker, as shown on the updated survey.
  • Entry into Marine Safety Database (MSD) in July 1991.

Current Condition

The wreck lies partially submerged, with significant sections ranging in depth from 6 feet to 32 feet depending on location and water levels. It poses a danger to surface navigation, particularly in shallow water near the bow.

Notes & Advisories

Navigational Hazard: Mariners must avoid this location due to the shallow depth of the wreck, especially near the bow.

Chart Updates: Historical recommendations to adjust charted symbols to accurately reflect the wreck’s condition and depth were implemented as of 1991.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

This unidentified wreck represents a navigational hazard in shallow water near 45°59’13.26″N, 83°53’50.06″W in Lake Huron. Though its origin remains unknown, detailed surveys have provided valuable insights into its dimensions, orientation, and potential risk to surface navigation. This site offers an intriguing location for further exploration or research, adding to the storied maritime history of the Great Lakes.

frying-pan-island-wreck 1972-03-14 07:53:00