Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Record 2352 Twin Barges

Explore the twin barge wrecks in Lake Superior, significant hazards to navigation and reminders of the region’s industrial past.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Barges (two wrecks)
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 100 ft (30.48 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 0.61 m / 2 ft
  • Location: Near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
  • Coordinates: Latitude 46.462686° N, Longitude -84.2862° W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Barges (two wrecks)

Description

Primary Wreck (Visible): Located at the position 46.462686° N, -84.2862° W. This barge is partially submerged and becomes visible during low water conditions. Its height is such that it uncovers 2 feet at LWD.

Secondary Wreck (Eastern Position): Located at 46° 27′ 47″ N, 84° 17′ 14″ W. Believed to be the originally reported visible wreck.

History

Initial Reports: The wrecks were first reported as visible and charted at a scale of 1:10,000 with positions noted at latitude 46° 27′ 45.0″ N, longitude 84° 17′ 10.0″ W.

Hydrographic Surveys: Surveys confirmed the presence of two separate barges in the vicinity. The visible wreck to the east was identified as the originally reported wreck. Both wrecks were recommended for charting due to their proximity to the water’s surface and potential navigational hazard.

Significant Incidents

  • Wrecks pose hazards to navigation, particularly during low water levels.
  • Mariners are advised to avoid these locations or exercise extreme caution when navigating in their vicinity.

Final Disposition

The wrecks remain submerged and partially visible, serving as significant hazards to navigation in Lake Superior. Updated charts reflect their positions for enhanced safety.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Visibility: The primary wreck is visible during low water conditions, making it a significant hazard to navigation.

Access: The shallow depth of the visible wreck allows for potential investigation or recreational exploration, but caution is advised due to its hazardous status.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”record-2352-twin-barges” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The visible wrecks at 46.462686, -84.2862 and nearby 46° 27′ 47″ N, 84° 17′ 14″ W are significant hazards to navigation in Lake Superior. Marked as two submerged barges, these wrecks emphasize the importance of updated navigation charts for mariner safety and the preservation of Great Lakes maritime history.

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.

SHIPWRECK REPORT: RECORD 2352

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Unknown
  • Vessel Terms: Barges (two wrecks)
  • Feature Type: Visible wrecks
  • Location:
    • Primary Position: Latitude 46.462686° N, Longitude -84.2862° W
    • Additional Position: Latitude 46° 27′ 47″ N, Longitude 84° 17′ 14″ W
  • Depth:
    • The primary visible wreck uncovers 2 feet at Lowest Water Depth (LWD).
  • Orientation:
    • The primary wreck lies in a north-south direction.
  • Dimensions:
    • Each barge is approximately 100 feet in length.

DESCRIPTION OF WRECKS

  • Primary Wreck (Visible):
    • Located at the position 46.462686° N, -84.2862° W.
    • This barge is partially submerged and becomes visible during low water conditions.
    • Its height is such that it uncovers 2 feet at LWD.
  • Secondary Wreck (Eastern Position):
    • Located at 46° 27′ 47″ N, 84° 17′ 14″ W.
    • Believed to be the originally reported visible wreck.

HISTORY

Initial Reports:

The wrecks were first reported as visible and charted at a scale of 1:10,000 with positions noted at latitude 46° 27′ 45.0″ N, longitude 84° 17′ 10.0″ W.

Hydrographic Surveys:

  • Surveys confirmed the presence of two separate barges in the vicinity.
  • The visible wreck to the east was identified as the originally reported wreck.
  • Both wrecks were recommended for charting due to their proximity to the water’s surface and potential navigational hazard.

CURRENT CONDITION

Visibility: The primary wreck is visible during low water conditions, making it a significant hazard to navigation.

Access: The shallow depth of the visible wreck allows for potential investigation or recreational exploration, but caution is advised due to its hazardous status.

NAVIGATION CONSIDERATIONS

Hazards: Both wrecks are submerged and partially visible, posing dangers to surface navigation, particularly during low water levels.

Recommendations:

  • Mariners should avoid these locations or exercise extreme caution when navigating in their vicinity.
  • Updated charts reflect the positions of these wrecks for enhanced safety.

NEAREST CITY

The wrecks are located near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in the northeastern portion of Lake Superior.

SIGNIFICANCE

These barge wrecks serve as historical remnants of the Great Lakes’ industrial past and remain a critical reminder of the hazards posed by submerged wrecks. Their visibility during low water conditions underscores their importance in navigational safety and historical preservation.

REFERENCES

  • Hydrographic Survey Reports
  • Navigation and Safety Charts
  • Marine Safety Manual (MSM)

CONCLUSION

The visible wrecks at 46.462686, -84.2862 and nearby 46° 27′ 47″ N, 84° 17′ 14″ W are significant hazards to navigation in Lake Superior. Marked as two submerged barges, these wrecks emphasize the importance of updated navigation charts for mariner safety and the preservation of Great Lakes maritime history.

KEYWORDS

#VisibleWreck #LakeSuperior #SaultSteMarie #BargeWrecks #NavigationHazard #HydrographicSurvey

record-2352-twin-barges 1989-03-14 07:49:00