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.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: RECRD 2355 (Vessel Terms Unknown)

Type: Submerged Wreck (Dangerous to Navigation)

Location:

• Latitude: 46.475019 Longitude: -84.302814

Depth:

• Initially recorded as 9.1 feet (2.77 meters) at Lowest Water Depth (LWD) in 14 feet (4.27 meters) of water.
• Subsequent reports indicate a depth of 17 feet (5.18 meters).

Final Location: Off a pier in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The type of vessel remains unknown, with no identifying information about its construction, dimensions, or purpose. The submerged wreck presents a potential hazard to surface navigation, particularly given the shallow depth recorded during initial surveys.

HISTORY

Initial Discovery

The wreck was first detected using a fathometer, which identified its presence at a least depth of 9.1 feet (2.77 meters) in 14 feet (4.27 meters) of water. This was noted as a potential hazard to navigation, necessitating further investigation. The record was documented in CL210/82.

Confirmation by Local Observers

The wreck was later reported by Dennis Dougherty and Loran Hartwig, who confirmed its existence in approximately 17 feet (5.18 meters) of water. They described the wreck’s location as being directly off their pier in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Lack of Further Investigation

Despite its initial detection and confirmation, no diver investigation or salvage operation was conducted to determine the wreck’s identity or verify its condition. A full survey was recommended, involving bottom drag or diver exploration within a radius of 10 meters to confirm or disprove the wreck’s existence. The requirement to disprove the wreck’s presence included providing salvage documentation, but no such evidence was submitted.

Current Status

The wreck remains officially listed as “not investigated,” with its identity and condition unknown. It continues to pose a navigational hazard, particularly for vessels operating in shallow waters near the site.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck’s final status is unresolved. The lack of a full survey or diver investigation leaves its existence and identity unverified. Its shallow depth underscores the potential hazard it poses to navigation in the area.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Mariners navigating near the coordinates 46.475019, -84.302814 should exercise caution. While the wreck has not been conclusively investigated, it is marked as a hazard to surface navigation. Further updates and Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) should be consulted for additional safety information.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition: Unknown; no diver or salvage investigation has been conducted.
• Accessibility: Potentially accessible for diver exploration, though the lack of detailed information about the wreck’s structure or condition necessitates caution.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• NOAA Hydrographic Surveys: Offers detailed guidance on investigating submerged hazards.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: May provide additional context if the wreck is later identified.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Includes similar records of unidentified or hazardous wrecks in the Great Lakes.

CONCLUSION

The wreck identified as RECRD 2355 near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, remains an unresolved navigational hazard. While its existence has been reported and confirmed by local observers, the lack of a formal investigation leaves its identity, origin, and current condition a mystery. A full survey is essential to verify or disprove its presence, and salvage documentation could provide further clarity. Until then, the site remains a potential danger for vessels operating in the area.

KEYWORDS

Sault Ste. Marie Wreck, Navigational Hazard, Lake Superior Wrecks, Fathometer Discovery, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Unidentified Submerged Wreck.

record-2355 1980-03-14 07:51:00