Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Middle Channel Wreck

Explore the mysterious Middle Channel Wreck in Lake St. Clair, a potential barge or small vessel with intriguing features and a complex history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Middle Channel Wreck
  • Type: Unknown (Potentially a barge or small vessel)
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 7.6 m / 25 ft
  • Location: Middle Channel, Dickinson Island side, south of the no-wake zone

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Unknown (Potentially a barge or small vessel)

Description

Site Description

  • Orientation:
    • Bow is pointing up-current.
    • Wreck is listing 45 degrees to starboard.
  • Structural Condition:
    • The deck has sheared off from the hull, particularly at the bow.
    • The deck has slid a few feet to starboard, creating a “scissor” effect visible on sonar.
  • Features:
    • Machinery and hardware are visible on the wreck.
    • The wreck is 20 feet tall at its highest point.

History

Historical Significance

The identity of this wreck remains unknown, but its size and features suggest it was a working vessel, possibly a barge or smaller ship used in the Lake St. Clair region. Its listing and shifted deck hint at a violent or sudden sinking event, though further exploration is required to uncover its story.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

  • Unknown sinking event leading to the current condition of the wreck.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

The wreck is confirmed and remains submerged in the Middle Channel, with no known salvage operations reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

  • Depth & Visibility:
    • Depth of 25 feet makes this site accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.
    • In clear water, the wreck may be visible from a boat.
    • Look for ripples in the water, which can sometimes indicate the presence of the wreck.
  • Anchoring:
    • A small clearing in nearby weeds can be used to anchor a small boat.
    • This site is suitable for a shore dive if proper anchoring is established.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”mc1″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

This wreck presents a fascinating dive opportunity for those exploring the Middle Channel and offers a chance to uncover more about its identity and history. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring the site remains undisturbed for future exploration.

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.

SHIPWRECK REPORT: MIDDLE CHANNEL WRECK

  • Type: Unknown (Potentially a barge or small vessel)
  • Location: Middle Channel, Dickinson Island side, south of the no-wake zone, Lake St. Clair
  • Depth: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
    • Least Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

SITE DESCRIPTION

  • Orientation:
    • Bow is pointing up-current.
    • Wreck is listing 45 degrees to starboard.
  • Structural Condition:
    • The deck has sheared off from the hull, particularly at the bow.
    • The deck has slid a few feet to starboard, creating a “scissor” effect visible on sonar.
  • Features:
    • Machinery and hardware are visible on the wreck.
    • The wreck is 20 feet tall at its highest point.

ACCESS INFORMATION

  • Depth & Visibility:
    • Depth of 25 feet makes this site accessible to snorkelers and recreational divers.
    • In clear water, the wreck may be visible from a boat.
    • Look for ripples in the water, which can sometimes indicate the presence of the wreck.
  • Anchoring:
    • A small clearing in nearby weeds can be used to anchor a small boat.
    • This site is suitable for a shore dive if proper anchoring is established.

DIVE NOTES

  • Navigation: The wreck’s location near the drop-off of the Middle Channel adds complexity; currents may be present.
  • Points of Interest:
    • The “scissor” effect of the deck and hull.
    • Machinery and hardware scattered on the wreck.

Safety Considerations:

  • Avoid disturbing the structure, particularly the starboard side where the deck has shifted.
  • Be cautious of potential currents in the Middle Channel.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The identity of this wreck remains unknown, but its size and features suggest it was a working vessel, possibly a barge or smaller ship used in the Lake St. Clair region. Its listing and shifted deck hint at a violent or sudden sinking event, though further exploration is required to uncover its story.

NOTES FOR EXPLORATION

Recommended Equipment:

  • Sonar or depth finder for precise location.
  • Dive lights for detailed examination of machinery and hardware.

Best Time to Dive: Clear and calm weather conditions to maximize visibility in the shallow water.

REFERENCES & LINKS

This wreck presents a fascinating dive opportunity for those exploring the Middle Channel and offers a chance to uncover more about its identity and history.

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