Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Michael L
- Type: Fishing Vessel (Fish Tug)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Estimated length ~33-50 ft (10-15 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- 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
[shotline_reference_links slug=”michael-l” title=”References & Links”]
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.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Michael L
- Former Names: Not listed
- Registration Number(s): Not publicly available
- Date Built & Launched: Unknown
- Measurements: Estimated to be a mid-sized commercial fishing tug, typical length ~10–15 m (33–50 ft)
- Date Lost, Destroyed, Abandoned:
- Initial sinking: 5 September 2024
- Second sinking: January 2025
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.
Final Dispositions
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.
Located By & Date Found
- Initial Incident Location: Stokes Bay Government Dock
- Recovery Coordination: Canadian Coast Guard (Central and Arctic Region)
- Dates:
- First sinking & response: 5–15 September 2024
- Second sinking: January 2025
View Stokes Bay on Google Maps
View Stokes Bay on Apple Maps
Notmars & Advisories
- Navigational Advisory: Potential obstruction near the government dock. Use caution when operating near submerged hazards or temporary barriers deployed during cleanup operations.
- Status: May be marked depending on final removal; area known for shallow rock-bottom harbour.
Resources & Links
- Oil Spill Cleanup Completed – Bruce Peninsula Press (Oct 2024)
- Stokes Bay Boat Incident – Owen Sound Current
- Stokes Bay Community Discussion – Facebook
Conclusion
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.
Suggested Keywords, Categories & Glossary
- Keywords: Michael L, Stokes Bay fishing tug, derelict vessel Ontario, Lake Huron oil spill, fish tug sinking
- Categories: Modern Shipwrecks, Environmental Incidents, Derelict Vessel Reports, Bruce Peninsula Maritime
- Glossary:
- Derelict Vessel – A boat abandoned or left in poor condition, often considered a hazard.
- Containment Boom – A floating barrier used to contain oil or fuel spills.
- Fish Tug – A rugged steel vessel designed for Great Lakes commercial fishing.