Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown Wreck – “VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN”
- Type: Unidentified Submerged Wreck
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 0.9 m / 3 ft
- Location: Southwest of Bayfield Peninsula, Wisconsin, near Chequamegon Bay
- Coordinates: 46.598811° N, -90.877081° W – Google Maps
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Unidentified Submerged Wreck (possibly wooden or early steel vessel based on region and water depth)
Description
This wreck, charted as “VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN,” is a high-risk navigational hazard located in Lake Superior, southwest of Bayfield Peninsula, Wisconsin, near Chequamegon Bay. The wreck lies in extremely shallow water (3 ft / 0.9 m) at low levels, and was formally identified and confirmed during NOAA hydrographic surveys in 1941, 1984, and 1985.
Its structure has not been positively identified, but its high-profile presence just below the surface makes it dangerous to navigation, particularly for recreational and small commercial vessels.
History
1941: First charted as a submerged object on older NAD 1902 charts; recognized as hazardous.
1984–85: Precise surveys confirmed a wreck at this site with a minimal clearance above its highest structure. The surveys recommended retaining the wreck on all navigational charts due to its shallow depth.
Significant Incidents
- Still listed as a dangerous submerged wreck on NOAA Chart 14974.
- Mariners are advised to avoid navigation in this area due to the high risk of collision or grounding.
Final Disposition
- Remains in place, charted on NOAA navigation maps.
- No known dive documentation or salvage.
- No identity match found in shipwreck databases searched.
- Possibly a small wooden barge, tug, or schooner based on region’s historical traffic.
Current Condition & Accessibility
This unidentified but confirmed wreck in Lake Superior remains a critical navigational hazard. Despite multiple hydrographic surveys, its origin remains unknown. Given its high profile and visibility just beneath the water’s surface, it poses serious risks and offers an ideal shallow-water archaeological exploration target. Its preservation in current NOAA charts ensures safety while continuing to pique curiosity about its lost story.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”record-14974″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Keywords: Lake Superior Shipwreck, Chart 14974, Submerged Wreck, NOAA Wrecks, Shallow Water Hazard
Categories: Unidentified Shipwrecks, Navigation Hazards, Mystery Wrecks
Glossary Terms:
- Low Water Datum (LWD): Reference level used by NOAA to measure water depth.
- Hydrographic Survey: A scientific method for mapping underwater features and obstructions.
- Drag Investigation: Physical detection using bottom-drag equipment to identify submerged structures.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown Wreck – “VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN”
- Former Names: None
- Registration Number(s): None
- Date Built and Launched: Unknown
- Measurements: Unknown
- Date Lost / Destroyed / Abandoned: Pre-1941 (based on initial survey)
- NOAA Chart Number: 14974 (Lake Superior – Chequamegon Bay area)
- Coordinates:
- 46.598811° N, -90.877081° W – Google Maps
- Depth: 0.9 m (3 feet) at Low Water Datum (LWD)
- Position Quality: High precision
- Position Source: Hydrographic surveys (1941, 1984, 1985)
Vessel Type
Unidentified Submerged Wreck (possibly wooden or early steel vessel based on region and water depth)
Description
This wreck, charted as “VESSLTERMS UNKNOWN,” is a high-risk navigational hazard located in Lake Superior, southwest of Bayfield Peninsula, Wisconsin, near Chequamegon Bay. The wreck lies in extremely shallow water (3 ft / 0.9 m) at low levels, and was formally identified and confirmed during NOAA hydrographic surveys in 1941, 1984, and 1985.
Its structure has not been positively identified, but its high-profile presence just below the surface makes it dangerous to navigation, particularly for recreational and small commercial vessels.
Historical Survey Summary
- 1941: First charted as a submerged object on older NAD 1902 charts; recognized as hazardous.
- 1984–85: Precise surveys confirmed a wreck at this site with a minimal clearance above its highest structure. The surveys recommended retaining the wreck on all navigational charts due to its shallow depth.
Final Disposition
- Remains in place, charted on NOAA navigation maps.
- No known dive documentation or salvage.
- No identity match found in shipwreck databases searched.
- Possibly a small wooden barge, tug, or schooner based on region’s historical traffic.
Located By & Date Found
Discovered via hydrographic drag and sonar methods. Location confirmed multiple times (1941, 1984, 1985) by U.S. government surveys.
Notmars & Advisories
- Still listed as a dangerous submerged wreck on NOAA Chart 14974.
- Mariners are advised to avoid navigation in this area due to the high risk of collision or grounding.
Resources & Links
- NOAA Nautical Chart Viewer – Chart 14974
- Google Maps Location – 46.598811, -90.877081
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- ShipwreckWorld
Conclusion
This unidentified but confirmed wreck in Lake Superior remains a critical navigational hazard. Despite multiple hydrographic surveys, its origin remains unknown. Given its high profile and visibility just beneath the water’s surface, it poses serious risks and offers an ideal shallow-water archaeological exploration target. Its preservation in current NOAA charts ensures safety while continuing to pique curiosity about its lost story.
Keywords: Lake Superior Shipwreck, Chart 14974, Submerged Wreck, NOAA Wrecks, Shallow Water Hazard
Categories: Unidentified Shipwrecks, Navigation Hazards, Mystery Wrecks
Glossary Terms:
- Low Water Datum (LWD): Reference level used by NOAA to measure water depth.
- Hydrographic Survey: A scientific method for mapping underwater features and obstructions.
- Drag Investigation: Physical detection using bottom-drag equipment to identify submerged structures.