Jenne V. Merri – Lake Huron Schooner Shipwreck (1925)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Jenne V. Merri
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 0 ft
• Location: Lake Huron
• Coordinates: Google Maps Link for Coordinates 45.861122, -84.566986

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Jenne V. Merri was a schooner, a class of sailing vessel widely utilized during the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Featuring two or more masts and fore-and-aft rigged sails, schooners were prized for their maneuverability and efficiency, making them a cornerstone of maritime commerce in the region.

Description

The Jenne V. Merri sank in 1925, as recorded in a Notice to Mariners (NM) dated June 27, 1925 (NM number 1526). While the exact circumstances surrounding the sinking remain unclear, potential causes may include:

• Severe Weather: Sudden storms were a frequent hazard on the Great Lakes, often catching ships unprepared.
• Mechanical Failure: Issues with aging schooners could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
• Collision: The busy trade routes of Lake Huron occasionally resulted in accidents between vessels.

The vessel’s sinking at such a shallow depth—close to the water’s surface—has rendered it a significant navigational hazard. The low accuracy of the recorded position (within a 1-mile radius) further complicates mariners’ efforts to avoid the wreck.

History

The Jenne V. Merri lies submerged in Lake Huron, posing a hazard due to its proximity to the surface. The exact location, while recorded with coordinates, has a low degree of accuracy (GP quality: Low), necessitating caution in the vicinity.

Significant Incidents

Mariners navigating near Google Maps Link for Coordinates 45.861122, -84.566986 should exercise extreme caution due to the potential inaccuracies in the wreck’s recorded position and its shallow depth. Consult updated Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for any changes or additional information about the wreck site.

Final Disposition

The state of the Jenne V. Merri is unknown, though submerged wrecks at shallow depths are often subject to significant environmental degradation or disturbance. Given its location close to the surface, the wreck may be visible under optimal conditions, but its accessibility for diving or exploration would depend on local water clarity and safety considerations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Jenne V. Merri wreck highlights the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, where shallow, submerged hazards remain a persistent risk. The schooner’s sinking in 1925 adds to the extensive maritime history of Lake Huron. Mariners operating in the area should rely on the latest navigational advisories and exercise vigilance to avoid the wreck, given its low positional accuracy and potential impact on surface navigation.

Resources & Links

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The recorded position of the wreck is approximate, with accuracy within 1 mile. Mariners are advised to consult up-to-date NOTMARs and exercise caution when navigating near these coordinates.