Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: GOGEBIC (later renamed GREEN RIVER)
- Type: Wooden Bulk Propeller (later converted to a Barge)
- Year Built: October 1887
- Builder: Wheeler’s Shipyard, West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 230 ft (70.1 m); Beam 40.4 ft (12.3 m); Depth of hold 19.4 ft (5.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,680 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 26 m / 80 ft
- Location: Welcome Island, Thunder Bay, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: N 48° 21.932′, W 89° 8.575′
- Official Number: C 138863
- Original Owners: Mills Transportation Co.
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The GOGEBIC was a wooden bulk propeller ship designed for the Great Lakes trade, later converted into a barge.
Description
The GOGEBIC, later renamed GREEN RIVER, was built in 1887 and served primarily in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. It was converted into a barge in 1921, reflecting the economic changes of the time.
History
The GOGEBIC was constructed in October 1887 at Wheeler’s Shipyard in West Bay City, Michigan. Initially operated by Mills Transportation Co., it was designed for the Lake Superior trade. In 1921, it was converted into a barge and registered in Canada as GREEN RIVER. By 1932, the vessel was dismantled and scuttled off Welcome Island on November 5, 1932.
Significant Incidents
- Converted to a barge in 1921, marking a shift from powered operations to being towed.
- Dismantled and scuttled in 1932 after its useful life ended.
Final Disposition
The remains of the GOGEBIC/GREEN RIVER were deliberately scuttled to dispose of the dismantled hull. The wreck lies intact at a depth of 80 feet (26 meters), serving as a significant dive site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is well-preserved and offers divers a chance to explore a historically significant site. Its structural integrity and large dimensions make it an impressive dive location, accessible from Welcome Island.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”green-river-c-138863-gogebic” title=”References & Links”]
This wreck represents an important piece of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the transition from powered freighters to barges and the challenges faced by vessels in the early 20th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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