Record – Other Steamer Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unknown 18-Foot Boat
• Type: Recreational Vessel
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 18 ft (5.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 4.3 m / 14 ft
• Location: Detroit River, abeam of the Great Lakes Beverage facility
• Coordinates: 42°20'12.5" N, 83°00'46.2" W
• Original Owners: Unknown
• Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The wreck is identified as an 18-foot boat. This size and type suggest a small utility or recreational vessel, likely used for local navigation or leisure activities on the Detroit River.

Description

The vessel sank in the Detroit River, a heavily trafficked waterway in southeastern Michigan, United States. Key historical details include:

• Source of Information: Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 19/1984).
• Reported Location: Initially recorded at 42°20’13” N, 83°00’48” W.
• Adjusted Location: To better match the LNM description, the wreck’s symbol was moved to 42°20’12.5″ N, 83°00’46.2″ W.
• Water Depth: Approximately 14 feet at the site.
• Database Entry: The wreck was officially recorded in the database in July 2000 (MCR entry).

History

Due to its categorization as “submerged, dangerous to surface navigation,” the wreck poses a potential hazard to vessels in the area. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near the identified coordinates to avoid collisions or damage.

Significant Incidents

• The wreck was reported in Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 19/1984).
• It was officially recorded in the database in July 2000.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains submerged in the Detroit River, posing a navigation hazard. Recommendations include conducting a sonar or visual survey to verify the wreck’s current position and state, and installing a buoy or marker at the site to warn mariners of the hazard.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The small size of the vessel and its shallow depth make it easily accessible for divers or survey equipment. However, the low GP quality suggests that its precise location may require additional verification using sonar or other detection methods.

Resources & Links

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As divers, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. If you visit this site, consider removing any garbage to leave the area better than you found it.