Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Industry US 202323 (C.H. Conover)

Explore the well-preserved wreck of the C.H. Conover, a dredge barge sunk in Lake Michigan. Ideal for certified divers seeking historical underwater sites.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: C. H. Conover, Industry
  • Type: Dredge Barge
  • Year Built: 1905
  • Builder: Empire Shipbuilding Co
  • Dimensions: Length: 99.5 ft (30.33 m); Width: 30 ft (9.14 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 24.38 m / 80 ft
  • Location: Lake Michigan, north of Garden and Hog Islands
  • Coordinates: Approx. 45° xx.xxx′ N, 085° xx.xxx′ W
  • Official Number: 202323
  • Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The C. H. Conover, later renamed Industry, is classified as a dredge barge, designed for dredging operations in the Great Lakes.

Description

The Industry lies upright and largely intact on the lakebed. It was initially salvaged after sinking, which resulted in visible damage to the hull and derrick cabin. The wreck is a well-preserved example of a dredge barge, showcasing distinct features from its operational history.

History

The C. H. Conover was constructed in 1905 by the Empire Shipbuilding Company in Buffalo, New York. Throughout its operational life, it underwent multiple rebuilds due to its extensive use in dredging operations across the Great Lakes. The vessel sank in 1953, with the circumstances surrounding its loss not fully documented but likely related to operational hazards typical for dredging vessels of that era.

Significant Incidents

  • Sank in 1953 under circumstances likely tied to operational hazards or accidental flooding.

Final Disposition

After sinking, salvage operations righted the vessel, which had initially been lying nearly upside-down. The wreck remains a significant site for divers and historians alike.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site is suitable for recreational diving, requiring divers to have appropriate certification for depths of 80 ft. Visibility during site photography was approximately 20 ft (6.1 m). Seasonal visibility conditions and water temperatures should be considered when planning dives.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”industry-us-202323-c-h-conover” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

For precise navigation, GPS coordinates should be verified with local resources or updated data for the region. Always consult experienced dive operators or local maritime authorities when planning visits to underwater wreck sites. Remember to leave only bubbles and 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:

  • Name(s): C. H. Conover, Industry
  • Registry: US
  • Official Number: 202323
  • Vessel Type: Dredge Barge
  • Builder: Empire Shipbuilding Co
  • Place Built: Buffalo, New York
  • Year Built: 1905
  • Year Sank: 1953
  • Hull Material: Steel
  • Masts: None
  • Engines: None

Dimensions:

  • Length: 99.5 ft (30.33 m)
  • Width: 30 ft (9.14 m)
  • Depth: 12 ft (3.66 m)

Vessel History:

The C. H. Conover, later renamed Industry, was a steel-hulled dredge barge built in 1905 by the Empire Shipbuilding Company in Buffalo, New York. It underwent multiple rebuilds during its operational life, reflecting its heavy use in dredging operations across the Great Lakes. The barge eventually sank in 1953 under circumstances not fully documented but likely tied to operational hazards or accidental flooding typical for dredging vessels of its era. More details can be found in the following resource: Great Lakes Ships Database.

Wreck Site Information:

  • Location: Lake Michigan
  • State/Province: Michigan
  • Depth: 80 ft (24.38 m)
  • GPS Coordinates: Approx. 45° xx.xxx′ N, 085° xx.xxx′ W
  • Site Description:

The Industry lies upright and largely intact on the lakebed north of Garden and Hog Islands in Lake Michigan. Salvage operations following the sinking righted the vessel, which was initially lying nearly upside-down. Evidence of the salvage efforts is visible in the hull and derrick cabin damage.

• The wreck remains a well-preserved example of a dredge barge, with distinct features from its operational history.

• Visibility during site photography was approximately 20 ft (6.1 m).

Notmars & Advisories:

The site is suitable for recreational diving but requires divers to have the appropriate certification for diving at 80 ft depth. Seasonal visibility conditions and water temperatures should be considered when planning dives.

Resources & Links:

3D Model – Industry

Industry Barge -2 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords:

C. H. Conover, Industry, Dredge Barge, Lake Michigan, Shipwreck, Empire Shipbuilding Co, Garden Island, Hog Island, Salvage Operations.

For precise navigation, GPS coordinates should be verified with local resources or updated data for the region. Always consult experienced dive operators or local maritime authorities when planning visits to underwater wreck sites.

industry-us-202323-c-h-conover 1953-03-14 07:54:00