Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Vesslterms Unknown
- Type: Wooden sailing vessel (likely a schooner or sloop)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approximately 30-50 ft (9-15 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Superior, near Port Wing, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: 46° 36.2716′ N, 90° 56.8271′ W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
This is an unidentified wooden sailing vessel, possibly a small coastal schooner or sloop, reinforced with steel plating on its hull. Such vessels were common on Lake Superior in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often used for fishing, local cargo, or lumber towing.
Description
The wreck is unrecorded in shipping registers and was therefore assigned the placeholder name “Vesslterms Unknown” by charting authorities. It is consistent in size and construction with regional workboats and small sailing schooners from the late 19th century, but no conclusive identity has been matched in wreck databases.
Historic survey records:
- 1978–1980 Hydrographic Survey: Wreck first classified as Class 1 (visible). Height measured at 1.2 m (4 feet) above the lakebed; scale 1:15,000.
- 1983 Hydrographic Resurvey: Confirmed as visible, height measured at 2.4 m (7.9 feet) above lakebed at LWD. Initial position was questioned by a later evaluator.
- 1984–1985 Resurvey: Confirmed a corrected position at 46° 36.2716′ N, 90° 56.8271′ W, with a measured height of 1.8 m (6 feet) above lakebed.
- Subsequent chart updates have maintained this location as a visible wreck feature.
History
Remains visible on the lakebed, with partial structural framing still intact. Charting authorities have accepted its status as a high-quality, confirmed visible feature. No salvage reported.
Significant Incidents
First documented by hydrographic surveys in 1978, with position refinement in 1983–1985. Modern NOAA and Canadian Hydrographic Service data confirm its chart location.
Final Disposition
No current navigation warnings beyond standard visible wreck notation on Lake Superior charts. Mariners are advised to avoid anchoring in the immediate vicinity due to possible hull hazards.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Hull visible, partially intact with framing exposed. Typical Lake Superior marine life includes crayfish and small fish. Suitable for shallow exploration by snorkellers or kayak-based observers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mission-springs-unidentifed” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Though its identity remains unknown, this wreck is a rare and easily accessible example of a small wooden sailing vessel on Lake Superior. Its documented surveys, steel-sheathed construction, and intact framing offer a valuable snapshot of local 19th-century or early 20th-century workboats. The feature is charted, monitored, and protected as a visible archaeological site.
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.
Vesslterms Unknown (Unidentified Wooden Vessel)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name(s): Vesslterms Unknown (no known historical name)
- Vessel Type: Wooden sailing vessel (likely a schooner or sloop), steel-sheathed hull
- Year Built: Unknown
- Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 9–15 m (30–50 feet)
- Height above lakebed: 1.2–2.4 m (4–7.9 feet) depending on water level
- Construction: Wooden hull with steel sheathing
- Final Resting Place: Lake Superior, near Port Wing, Wisconsin
- Coordinates (most recent confirmed):
- 46° 36.2716′ N (46.604458°N)
- 90° 56.8271′ W (90.947119°W)
- Depth: Very shallow; portions visible at lowest water depth
- Orientation: NW-SE
- First Documented: 1978
Vessel Type Description
This is an unidentified wooden sailing vessel, possibly a small coastal schooner or sloop, reinforced with steel plating on its hull. Such vessels were common on Lake Superior in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often used for fishing, local cargo, or lumber towing.
History
The wreck is unrecorded in shipping registers and was therefore assigned the placeholder name “Vesslterms Unknown” by charting authorities. It is consistent in size and construction with regional workboats and small sailing schooners from the late 19th century, but no conclusive identity has been matched in wreck databases.
Historic survey records:
- 1978–1980 Hydrographic Survey: Wreck first classified as Class 1 (visible). Height measured at 1.2 m (4 feet) above the lakebed; scale 1:15,000.
- 1983 Hydrographic Resurvey: Confirmed as visible, height measured at 2.4 m (7.9 feet) above lakebed at LWD. Initial position was questioned by a later evaluator.
- 1984–1985 Resurvey: Confirmed a corrected position at 46° 36.2716′ N, 90° 56.8271′ W, with a measured height of 1.8 m (6 feet) above lakebed.
- Subsequent chart updates have maintained this location as a visible wreck feature.
Final Dispositions
Remains visible on the lakebed, with partial structural framing still intact. Charting authorities have accepted its status as a high-quality, confirmed visible feature. No salvage reported.
Located By & Date Found
First documented by hydrographic surveys in 1978, with position refinement in 1983–1985. Modern NOAA and Canadian Hydrographic Service data confirm its chart location.
Notmars & Advisories
No current navigation warnings beyond standard visible wreck notation on Lake Superior charts. Mariners are advised to avoid anchoring in the immediate vicinity due to possible hull hazards.
Shore Dive Information
- Shore Access Location: Port Wing, Wisconsin area
- Entry Type: Small boat or kayak
- Depth Range: 0–3 m (0–10 feet)
- Current & Conditions: Typically calm near shore; water can become silty after storms
- Points of Interest: Steel-sheathed hull remains, wooden framing
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Safety & Emergency Info:
- Nearest hyperbaric chamber: St. Luke’s Hyperbaric Centre, Duluth, MN
- USCG Duluth: VHF 16
- Nearest 911 address: Port Wing, Wisconsin
- Local Regulations: Wisconsin DNR artifact removal laws apply
- Best Time to Dive: June–September
- Driving Directions: Google Maps to Port Wing, WI
- Additional Resources: Local kayak and dive shops in Superior or Duluth
Current Condition & Accessibility
- Condition: Hull visible, partially intact with framing exposed
- Marine Life: Typical Lake Superior species — crayfish, small fish
- Accessibility: Suitable for shallow exploration by snorkellers or kayak-based observers
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Automated Wreck Files
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Database – BGSU
- Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Records
Conclusion
Though its identity remains unknown, this wreck is a rare and easily accessible example of a small wooden sailing vessel on Lake Superior. Its documented surveys, steel-sheathed construction, and intact framing offer a valuable snapshot of local 19th-century or early 20th-century workboats. The feature is charted, monitored, and protected as a visible archaeological site.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Vesslterms Unknown, Lake Superior, visible wreck, Port Wing Wisconsin
- Categories: Unknown shipwrecks, wooden sailing vessels, Lake Superior shipwrecks, shallow wrecks
- Glossary Terms: Class 1 wreck, visible wreck, hydrographic survey, LWD (Lowest Water Depth)