Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Junction 20
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 49 m / 162 ft
- Location: Gas well junction near Long Point, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: 42°35.40279'N, 58°22.378'W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
Description
The Junction 20 wreck is heavily damaged and partially buried in silt, making it challenging to identify specific features or details about the vessel’s original construction and history.
History
While the identity of this wreck remains unknown, the Junction 20 nickname reflects its proximity to a notable gas pipeline junction. The disturbance caused by the pipeline construction and maintenance may have contributed to the current fragmented state of the wreck. The schooner’s design and location suggest it could be one of many vessels lost in Lake Erie during the 19th or early 20th centuries.
Significant Incidents
- The vessel is badly broken up, likely due to both natural forces and disturbances from the gas pipeline.
- A significant portion of the wreck is submerged under heavy silt, with only portions of the structure visible.
Final Disposition
The Junction 20 wreck offers insights into the interaction between historical shipwrecks and modern industrial activity. The damage caused by the gas pipeline highlights the challenges of preserving underwater cultural heritage in areas with active infrastructure development.
Current Condition & Accessibility
At 162 feet (49 meters), the site is suitable only for advanced divers or technical divers due to the depth and potential for limited visibility. Silt and debris from the pipeline and natural sedimentation may significantly reduce visibility. Strong current conditions and potential entanglement hazards from wreck debris or pipeline infrastructure should be considered.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”junction-20-wreck” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Exploration of the Junction 20 wreck is recommended through advanced sonar mapping or photogrammetry to create a detailed record of the remaining structure and its surroundings. Collaboration with industrial operators and maritime preservation societies is essential to mitigate further damage to the site.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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