Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown wooden steamer
- Type: Wooden steamer
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12.19 m / 40 ft
- Location: Near Port Edward, Lake Huron
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
This shipwreck is of a wooden steamer, typical of vessels used during the 19th and early 20th centuries for cargo and passenger transport on the Great Lakes. Its construction and design would have made it versatile for the region’s busy shipping routes, but the vessel’s identity and specific purpose remain unknown.
Description
The wreck’s history is shrouded in mystery, with no definitive records of its name, date of launch, or reasons for its demise. Discovered by fisherman Ray Heeringa in the mid-1990s using a fishfinder, the wreck has intrigued divers and historians alike. The evidence suggests the steamer may have been intentionally scuttled, a common practice for aging or unserviceable vessels. Its stripped and burned condition further supports this theory.
History
The site, located at a manageable depth of 40 feet, is accessible to intermediate-level divers and offers an excellent opportunity for exploration. Due to its location near Port Edward, a boat is required to access the wreck. Its upright position on the lake bottom provides a remarkable view, adding to the allure of the dive site.
Significant Incidents
- The wreck was discovered by Ray Heeringa in the mid-1990s.
- Divers Chris Schmid, Bill Simpson, and Fred Felter explored the wreck in Fall 2005.
- The vessel appears to have been stripped and burned prior to sinking, indicating it may have been scuttled.
Final Disposition
The shipwreck is in fair condition, given its age and history. The stripping of valuable equipment and burning prior to sinking indicates it was likely scuttled deliberately. This practice not only disposed of the vessel but also created an artificial reef for marine life, which divers can now observe.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wooden steamer is protected by law, like all Great Lakes shipwrecks, to ensure its historical and environmental value is preserved. Divers are encouraged to follow the “leave no trace” principles, ensuring the wreck remains intact for study and enjoyment by future generations.
Resources & Links
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This shipwreck near Port Edward not only offers a fascinating dive site but also represents a chapter of maritime history yet to be written. As an underwater time capsule, it holds potential insights into the Great Lakes’ storied past. Its exploration challenges historians and archaeologists to uncover its origins and connect it to the broader narrative of regional shipping and transportation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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