Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Michael L
- Type: Fishing Vessel (Fish Tug)
- Dimensions: Estimated length ~33-50 ft (10-15 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Location: Stokes Bay, Bruce County, Ontario
- Coordinates: Stokes Bay, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Fishing Vessel (Fish Tug)
Steel-hulled, used for commercial fishing operations in the Great Lakes.
Description
The Michael L was a steel-hulled fishing tug based at Stokes Bay, a sheltered harbour on Lake Huron’s eastern shoreline in Bruce County, Ontario. Commonly seen at the public dock, it had operated locally but had seen better days prior to its multiple sinkings.
History
Although detailed construction or operational history remains sparse, the Michael L appears to have been part of the longstanding commercial fishery along Lake Huron’s Bruce Peninsula. Like many such vessels, it was likely built in the mid-to-late 20th century and served as a utility boat in the Whitefish and Lake Trout fisheries.
On 5 September 2024, the Michael L sank while moored at the government dock in Stokes Bay, leaking diesel fuel into the surrounding waters. The Canadian Coast Guard responded promptly, deploying containment booms and conducting a full recovery of over 5,500 litres of oily water. The vessel was later refloated and removed from the dock on 15 September 2024.
Despite these efforts, the Michael L sank again in January 2025, re-raising public concerns. The repeated incidents signified serious structural issues and may represent an environmental hazard, particularly in such a sensitive ecosystem.
Significant Incidents
- Initial sinking: 5 September 2024
- Second sinking: January 2025
Final Disposition
As of the latest reports, the Michael L remains submerged or in recovery staging. It may now qualify as a derelict or abandoned vessel under Canadian Transport and Environmental Law. Further efforts to dismantle, remove, or repurpose the vessel may be underway or pending provincial/federal coordination.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Potential obstruction near the government dock. Use caution when operating near submerged hazards or temporary barriers deployed during cleanup operations. The area is known for shallow rock-bottom harbour.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The Michael L‘s deterioration and repeated sinking events raise critical questions about derelict vessel management, environmental protection, and community waterfront infrastructure. While not a deep-water wreck of the traditional type, it represents a growing class of inshore abandoned or sunken vessels that blur the line between derelict hazard and historical wreck.