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

• Vessel Name: Johnson (previously misidentified as Oscar Flint)
• Vessel Type: Wooden-hulled vessel
• Coordinates: 45°01’33.52″N, 83°20’48.87″W
• •Location: Lake Huron
• •Depth: 6.4 meters (21 feet) below the water’s surface
• •Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
• •Survey Data: High-quality position data confirmed by Multibeam Sonar Systems (MBES) and Sidescan Sonar (SSS)

Vessel Type Description

The Johnson is a wooden-hulled ship of over 200 feet in length, consistent with vessels commonly used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting bulk goods. This wreck features visible ribs protruding from the hull and retains a cargo of stone, suggesting it was a working vessel dedicated to industrial freight transport. Its large size and construction indicate its importance in the regional shipping economy.

History

Discovery and Misidentification

The wreck was initially cataloged as the Oscar Flint during survey LS1224/10, based on earlier position data and assumptions about nearby wrecks. However, significant discrepancies arose during later surveys, primarily due to the observed cargo type. The Oscar Flintwas recorded as a coal carrier, whereas the wreck’s cargo was identified as stone.

Reidentification

Local diver and wreck researcher George Baker conducted further studies, revealing evidence that aligned the wreck more closely with the Johnson, a wooden vessel known for carrying stone. Survey CL574/82 supported this conclusion with descriptive details matching the wreck’s structural characteristics and cargo. This resolved previous confusion, although the nearby buoy associated with the Oscar Flintcontributed to initial misidentification.

Final Disposition

The Johnson lies partially broken up in 21 feet of water. Its wooden hull is damaged, with ribs protruding and the stone cargo still onboard, reflecting its final voyage. The shallow depth and protrusions pose a significant hazard to navigation, particularly for vessels with a deeper draft. Despite its deteriorated condition, the wreck serves as a valuable historical artifact and a cautionary tale for mariners.

Located By & Date

• Initial Identification: Oscar Flint during survey LS1224/10
• Reidentified: As Johnson by diver George Baker and subsequent surveys (date unspecified)
• Current Verified Position: Latitude 45°01’33.52″N, Longitude 83°20’48.87″W with a least depth of 22.69 feet (6.9 meters).

NOTMARs & Advisories

Due to its shallow depth and structural remains, mariners are advised to consult Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) when navigating near this wreck. The wreck is accurately charted, but its potential for navigation hazards warrants vigilance in the vicinity.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• NOAA AWOIS Database

Conclusion

The Johnson, once misidentified as the Oscar Flint, exemplifies the challenges of underwater archaeology and shipwreck identification in the Great Lakes. With its shallow depth of 21 feet and its remains still partially intact, the wreck is both a navigation hazard and a valuable site for historical study. The ongoing efforts to maintain accurate maritime records reflect the importance of preserving and understanding the legacy of Great Lakes shipping.

Keywords•Johnson shipwreck•Lake Huron wreck•Wooden-hulled vessel•Submerged wreck•Great Lakes maritime history•Navigation hazard

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

• Coordinates: Latitude 45°01’33.52″N, Longitude 83°20’48.87″W
• Depth: 6.4 meters (21 feet)

Mariners and divers are encouraged to approach with caution and refer to the latest survey data and NOTMARs for accurate positioning and safe navigation.

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