Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George H. Ely
- Type: Schooner barge (wooden)
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: Leighton & Fitzgerald Shipyard, Port Huron, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 4.5 m / 15 ft
- Location: North of Detour Shoal, in Detour Passage, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: 45° 57.582′ N, 83° 54.333′ W
- Official Number: 85147
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George H. Ely was a robust wooden schooner barge designed for transporting bulk freight, particularly coal, across the Great Lakes.
Description
The George H. Ely wreck is located in a scattered debris field that includes the bow section, stern, part of one hull side, and various loose pieces. The wreckage spans a bay north of Detour Shoal, covering an area approximately 100 x 200 ft. The condition of the hull is broken and worn, with remnants visible just above the shoal. Notable site highlights include exposed hull ribs and an identifiable stern section, which serve as an artificial reef habitat attracting local aquatic species.
History
The George H. Ely was built in 1871 to transport bulk freight. On October 12, 1882, while being towed by the steamer H. B. Tuttle loaded with coal, the tow drifted off course and struck Detour Shoal. Salvage attempts were unsuccessful, and on November 2, 1882, it was officially declared a total loss. The cargo salvaged included coal, and fortunately, no fatalities were reported among the crew.
Significant Incidents
- October 12, 1882: Struck Detour Shoal while being towed.
- November 2, 1882: Officially declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the George H. Ely remains in Lake Huron, serving as a historical site and artificial reef. It is accessible only by boat and is ideal for intermediate divers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is in a scattered condition, with debris spread across a wide area. Divers should exercise caution due to the spreading debris and potential navigation challenges.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-h-ely” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The George H. Ely wreck offers an engaging dive into maritime history, ideal for divers looking to explore Great Lakes heritage. The visible remains serve as a physical time capsule, complete with ecological value, making it a must-see dive in Detour Passage.
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.
Wreck Report: GEORGE H. ELY
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Vessel Name: George H. Ely
- Type: Schooner barge (wooden)
- Built: 1871 at Leighton & Fitzgerald Shipyard, Port Huron, Michigan (visitdrummondisland.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Official No.: 85147 (visitdrummondisland.com)
- Location: North of Detour Shoal, in Detour Passage, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: 45° 57.582′ N, 83° 54.333′ W (visitdrummondisland.com)
- Depth: 15–20 ft (4.5–6 m) (visitdrummondisland.com)
- Accessibility: Boat-only; ideal for intermediate divers given the scattered wreckage.
Vessel History
The George H. Ely was a robust schooner barge built in 1871 to transport bulk freight like coal. In October 1882, it was being towed by the steamer H. B. Tuttle through the Detour Passage toward Portage, Michigan—loaded with coal. The tow drifted off course and the barge struck Detour Shoal on October 12, 1882 (visitdrummondisland.com). Salvage attempts failed, and on November 2, 1882, it was officially declared a ﹝total loss﹞ (visitdrummondisland.com).
- Cargo salvaged: Coal
- Crew: No fatalities reported
Wreck Layout & Features
- Scattered Debris Field: Includes bow section, stern, part of one hull side, and various loose pieces .
- Area Covered: The wreckage spans a bay north of Detour Shoal in about a 100×200 ft zone (visitdrummondisland.com).
- Condition: The hull is broken and worn, remnants visible just above the shoal.
- Site Highlights:
- Exposed hull ribs and an identifiable stern section
- Artificial reef habitat that attracts local aquatic species
Dive Highlights
- Particularly Suitable For: Intermediate divers exploring scattered wreckage
- Visibility & Conditions: Generally calm, sheltered location with seasonal visibility—excellent for underwater photography
- Natural Habitat: The site supports various fish and freshwater fauna—typical of shallow Great Lakes wrecks
- Notable Caution: Spreading debris requires careful navigation and strong buoyancy control
Safety Considerations
- Debris Navigation: Wreckage is widely spread—mark your approach or consider a dive line
- Weather Conditions: Detour Passage can exhibit currents or choppy conditions during storms
- Protective Measures: Wear gloves/boots to prevent scrapes; avoid direct contact with jagged edges
Why the Ely Matters
- Historical Connection: Offers a tangible link to 19th-century Great Lakes freight and shipping dynamics
- Accessible Legacy Dive: At 15–20 ft, it’s easily dived while delivering authentic maritime history
- Teaching Tool: Excellent for heritage education, photography, and site surveying
Summary
The George H. Ely wreck offers an engaging, shallow dive into maritime history—ideal for divers looking to explore Great Lakes heritage. Though broken and spread out, the visible remains serve as a physical time capsule, complete with ecological value. It’s a must-see dive in Detour Passage.
Navigational & Research Sources
- Drummond Island Tourism details on George H. Ely (visitdrummondisland.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Michigan Underwater Preserves, Divers’ Guide insight on debris field layout (michiganpreserves.org)
- Additional historical background from History of the Great Lakes manuscripts (linkstothepast.com)