Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mystery Barge
- Type: Likely former small steamer or schooner, now barge
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: ~64 ft (19.5 m) length × 14 ft (4.3 m) beam
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 17 m / 50 ft
- Location: North of Burnt Island, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: 46°06.983′ N, 83°49.450′ W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
This well-preserved hull remains mostly intact. The presence of a steam winch on the afterdeck, but no onboard boiler, and a rigid hose implies that the winch was powered from shore or another vessel. Coal remains in the forward hold. The towing gear—a chain wrapped around the stem—suggests functionality as a rugged cargo barge.
Description
The barge rests upright at a depth of 50 ft. Its intact condition and remaining artifacts like coal, winch, and tow chain make it a captivating dive site. Sadly, a readable nameplate is missing, leaving its identity a mystery.
History
No official records identify this vessel. It appears to have been converted from a steamer or small schooner into a barge. Partial outer planking damage likely caused its sinking. The intact structural remains and cargo suggest a sudden loss during regular towing operations.
Significant Incidents
- No official records identify this vessel.
- Partial outer planking damage likely caused its sinking.
- Intact structural remains and cargo suggest a sudden loss during regular towing operations.
Final Disposition
The barge rests upright at 50 ft depth. Its intact condition and remaining artifacts like coal, winch, and tow chain make it a captivating dive site. Sadly, a readable nameplate is missing, leaving its identity a mystery.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Known informally to local divers and referenced by the Drummond Island Tourism Association; specifics of discovery remain undocumented. No official Notices to Mariners apply. Divers should proceed cautiously, aware of structural integrity and scouring around the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mystery-barge” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
An exceptional dive site steeped in intrigue, the Mystery Barge invites explorers to piece together its story. Its remarkable preservation offers a rare window into early steam-era barge operations. Identification efforts continue—divers and historians may yet uncover its name and origin.
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.
MYSTERY BARGE (Unidentified, Lake Huron)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mystery Barge
- Type: Likely former small steamer or schooner, now barge
- Dimensions: ~64 ft (19.5 m) length × 14 ft (4.3 m) beam
- Depth: ~50 ft (17 m)
- Location: North of Burnt Island, Lake Huron — 46°06.983′ N, 83°49.450′ W
- Position: Upright on the lakebed
Vessel Type Description
This well‑preserved hull remains mostly intact. The presence of a steam winch on the afterdeck, but no onboard boiler, and a rigid hose implies that the winch was powered from shore or another vessel. Coal remains in the forward hold. The towing gear—a chain wrapped around the stem—suggests functionality as a rugged cargo barge (Drummond Island Tourism Association).
History
No official records identify this vessel. It appears to have been converted from a steamer or small schooner into a barge. Partial outer planking damage likely caused its sinking (Drummond Island Tourism Association). The intact structural remains and cargo suggest a sudden loss during regular towing operations.
Final Disposition
The barge rests upright at 50 ft depth. Its intact condition and remaining artifacts like coal, winch, and tow chain make it a captivating dive site. Sadly, a readable nameplate is missing, leaving its identity a mystery (Drummond Island Tourism Association).
Located By & Date
Known informally to local divers and referenced by the Drummond Island Tourism Association; specifics of discovery remain undocumented (Drummond Island Tourism Association).
Notmars & Advisories
No official Notices to Mariners apply. Divers should proceed cautiously, aware of structural integrity and scouring around the wreck.
Dive & Accessibility
- Depth: 50 ft (17 m) — accessible for recreational divers
- Entry: Boat access recommended; shore access from nearest island
- Conditions: Variable visibility; minimal current in this location
- Points of Interest:
- Steam winch with operational fittings
- Coal-filled hold
- Tow chain mechanism at stem
- Skill Level: Intermediate — standard wreck diving precautions apply
Significance
The Mystery Barge offers a uniquely preserved underwater snapshot of 19th-century cargo operations on Lake Huron. Its intact hull, onboard machinery, and cargo enable archaeological interest, while its anonymity invites further research.
Resources & Links
- Drummond Island Tourism Association: “The Mystery Barge” (Drummond Island Tourism Association, Wikipedia)
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion
An exceptional dive site steeped in intrigue, the Mystery Barge invites explorers to piece together its story. Its remarkable preservation offers a rare window into early steam-era barge operations. Identification efforts continue—divers and historians may yet uncover its name and origin.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Tags: Mystery Barge, Lake Huron, coal barge, steam winch, unidentified wreck, Burnt Island dive
Categories: Unidentified Wrecks, Recreational Dive Sites, Industrial Vessel Remains
Glossary: Steam winch, tow chain stem, coal cargo, lakebed scouring