Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Record 2385

Explore the remains of an unknown wooden sailing vessel in Lake Superior, a visible wreck that offers insights into maritime history and navigation safety.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed with steel
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Approximate length: 30 ft (9.14 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 1.83 m / 6 ft
  • Location: 46.604458° N, -90.947119° W
  • Coordinates: 46.604458° N, -90.947119° W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed with steel.

Description

Description: The wreck is a well-preserved wooden vessel with steel sheathing, lying in shallow water. It is oriented NW-SE, suggesting it may have been positioned by currents or wind during its sinking. The wreck is visible, particularly at low water levels, making it a potential navigation hazard.

History

History: The vessel was initially discovered between 1978 and 1980, classified as a Class 1 visible wreck feature. Subsequent surveys in 1983 and 1984-1985 provided varying measurements of its height and position, with the final determined location being 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, 90° 56′ 48.96″ W. The vessel is identified as a smaller sailing vessel, approximately 30 feet long.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • Initial discovery (1978-1980): Classified as a Class 1 visible wreck feature.
  • Subsequent surveys (1983): Height recorded at 7.9 feet; position confirmed.
  • Reevaluation (1984-1985): Final location determined and height measured at 6 feet.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition: The wreck remains in situ, well-preserved in shallow water, and is recommended to be marked as a visible feature on navigation charts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility: The wreck is accessible in shallow water and is visible, particularly at low water levels. Mariners are advised to exercise caution due to its proximity to the water’s surface.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”record-2385″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

Closing Summary: The wreck near 46.604458° N, -90.947119° W in Lake Superior serves as a visible hazard and a point of interest for divers and maritime historians. Further exploration could enhance understanding of its origin and significance in the region’s 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: UNKNOWN VESSEL

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed with steel
  • Feature Type: Visible wreck
  • Location:
    • Latitude (NAD 83): 46.604458° N
    • Longitude (NAD 83): -90.947119° W
    • Surveyed Position: 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, 90° 56′ 48.96″ W
    • Height Above Bottom: 6 feet (Lowest Water Depth, 1985)
    • Initially recorded as 4 feet above the bottom (1978-1980 survey).
    • Orientation: NW-SE
    • Dimensions:
      • Approximate length: 30 feet
    • Hull material: Wooden, with steel sheathing
  • Initial Discovery (1978-1980):
    • Survey Details:
      • Classified as Class 1, indicating a visible wreck feature.
      • Recorded height was 4 feet, with its position scaled at 1:15,000.
      • Location: LAT 46° 36′ 14.50″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 47.80″ W.
    • Subsequent Surveys (1983):
      • Visibility confirmed during another survey with a recorded height of 7.9 feet at LWD.
      • Position: LAT 46° 36′ 16″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 49″ W.
      • Described as a wooden vessel, approximately 50 feet long.
    • Reevaluation (1984-1985):
      • The 1983 position was discredited by a hydrographic evaluator.
      • Final location determined to be:
      • LAT 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 48.96″ W.
      • Height measured at 6 feet at LWD.
      • Vessel identified as a smaller sailing vessel, with a length of 30 feet.
  • Construction: Wooden hull sheathed with steel.
  • Condition: Wreck is well-preserved in shallow water.
  • Orientation: Lying NW-SE, indicating it may have been positioned by currents or wind during sinking.
  • Visibility:
    • Wreck is visible in shallow water, particularly at low water levels.
  • Hazards:
    • The wreck’s proximity to the water’s surface makes it a potential navigation hazard.
    • Mariners are advised to exercise caution when traversing the area.
  • Charting Status:
    • Hydrographer recommended marking this wreck as a visible feature on navigation charts.
  • NAVIGATION CONSIDERATIONS
    • Recommendations:
      • Avoid the location when navigating nearshore.
      • Consult updated nautical charts that highlight the wreck’s position and visibility.
  • NEAREST CITY
    • Ashland, Wisconsin, located along the southern shore of Lake Superior.

SIGNIFICANCE

This wreck, while its history and origin remain unknown, provides valuable insight into smaller wooden vessels that once navigated the Great Lakes. Its preservation and visibility make it a point of interest for divers, maritime historians, and navigation safety efforts.

REFERENCES

  • NOAA Hydrographic Surveys (1978-1985)
  • Marine Safety Manual (MSM)
  • Navigation and Safety Charts

CONCLUSION

The wreck near 46.604458° N, -90.947119° W in Lake Superior is a visible hazard, offering both navigational challenges and historical intrigue. Further exploration and documentation could provide insights into its origin and purpose, contributing to the broader narrative of maritime activity in the region.

KEYWORDS

#Shipwreck #LakeSuperior #VisibleWreck #NavigationHazard #MaritimeHistory

record-2385 1978-03-14 07:49:00