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.

NOWOCTON: Identification & Site Information

• Name: NOWOCTON
• Other Names: None
• Vessel Type:
  • Pleasure Craft
• Build Information
  • Details about the construction or builder of the NOWOCTON are unavailable, which is common for private vessels used primarily for recreational purposes.
• Specifications
  • Length: 70 feet (21 meters)
  • Depth at Rest: 60 feet (18 meters)
  • Hull Material: Not specified
• Location Information
  • Final Location: North Channel, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: N46 03.074, W81 47.822

The wreck lies within the picturesque and historically rich North Channel, a waterway known for its crystal-clear waters and numerous shipwrecks.

Vessel Type Description

The NOWOCTON was a pleasure craft designed for leisure activities on the Great Lakes. Vessels of this type typically cater to personal cruising, fishing, and sightseeing, and are equipped with amenities suited for private use. Its 70-foot length suggests a mid-sized craft, comfortable for extended voyages or group outings.

History

The NOWOCTON likely served as a privately owned vessel, offering recreational experiences across Lake Huron’s North Channel. While its operational details remain undocumented, its presence in this waterway suggests it was well-suited for the challenging yet rewarding Great Lakes environment. Unlike commercial vessels, pleasure crafts often have limited recorded histories, as they operate outside traditional shipping registers and trade records.

Final Disposition

The NOWOCTON sank at its current location in the North Channel. The exact cause of its sinking is unknown, but potential factors include:

• Mechanical Failure: Engine or structural issues are common causes for the loss of pleasure crafts.
• Adverse Weather: The Great Lakes are infamous for sudden storms and rough conditions.
• Collision or Grounding: These waters contain numerous submerged hazards, which may have contributed to the vessel’s demise.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) tied to the NOWOCTON. Divers and mariners are advised to exercise caution in the area.

Discovery

The wreck is a known feature within the North Channel. While the exact date and party responsible for locating the site are not detailed, the coordinates provide a fixed reference for divers and researchers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Depth: Resting at 60 feet (18 meters), the wreck is within recreational diving limits.
• Condition: Likely intact, though natural deterioration over time may have impacted its structure. The clear freshwater of the North Channel offers ideal conditions for diving.
• Accessibility: The site is suitable for divers with basic experience, and its moderate depth allows for thorough exploration without requiring advanced certifications.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships: Historical records and detailed information on regional vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive resource for shipwreck documentation.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Insights into regional maritime activity and history.
• Bowling Green State University: Archival materials on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Keywords

NOWOCTON, Pleasure Craft, North Channel, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Recreational Boating, Great Lakes Maritime History, Dive Site

Conclusion

The NOWOCTON stands as a quiet reminder of the joys and perils of recreational boating on the Great Lakes. Its presence in the North Channel adds to the area’s allure for divers and maritime enthusiasts, offering a unique exploration site with historical and personal significance. Though little is known of its journey, the wreck provides an entry point into the broader history of private boating in the region, inviting discovery and preservation.

nowocton 1980-03-14 07:52:00