Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Record 3343

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

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed in steel
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Approximately 30 ft (9.14 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Superior, northwest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
  • Coordinates: 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, 90° 56′ 48.96″ W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed in steel.

Description

The wreck is a visible feature, with part of its structure protruding above the water in shallow conditions. It is located in shallow water with a height of 6 feet at Lowest Water Depth (LWD).

History

The wreck was first classified as Class 1 during initial surveys conducted between 1978 and 1980, indicating it was a visible feature. Subsequent surveys in 1983 confirmed its visibility with a height of 7.9 feet at LWD. The wreck’s dimensions were confirmed as approximately 30 feet in length and a height of 6 feet at LWD during accurate positioning surveys conducted between 1984 and 1985.

Significant Incidents

  • The wreck was first classified as Class 1 in initial surveys (1978-1980).
  • A 1983 survey confirmed the wreck’s visibility with a height of 7.9 feet at LWD.
  • Final coordinates were established in 1984-1985, confirming the wreck’s dimensions.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains a fascinating relic of Lake Superior’s maritime heritage, illustrating the transition between wood and steel in shipbuilding.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible for shallow-water diving and recreational exploration. It is recommended for historical study due to its good visibility and condition.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”record-3343″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

This unknown wreck serves as an important example of early wooden sailing vessels in the Great Lakes, making it an excellent site for divers, archaeologists, and historians studying maritime history in Lake Superior.

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 (VESSLTERMS “UNKNOWN”)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Wooden sailing vessel, sheathed in steel
  • Feature Type: Visible wreck
  • Location (Final Accurate Position):
    • Latitude: 46° 36′ 16.29″ N
    • Longitude: 90° 56′ 48.96″ W
    • Decimal Coordinates: 46.604458, -90.947119
  • Surrounding Area:
    • Found within Lake Superior, northwest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
    • Located in shallow water with a height of 6 feet at Lowest Water Depth (LWD).
  • Type: Wooden sailing vessel
  • Orientation: Northwest-Southeast (NW-SE)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: Approximately 30 feet
    • Height Above Bottom: Between 4 and 7.9 feet depending on water level
  • Hull Construction: Wooden hull sheathed in steel
  • Initial Surveys (1978-1980):
    • The wreck was first classified as Class 1, meaning it was a visible feature.
    • Position: LAT 46° 36′ 14.50″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 47.80″ W.
    • Height: 4 feet above the bottom.
  • Subsequent Surveys (1983-1985):
    • A 1983 survey confirmed the wreck’s visibility with a height of 7.9 feet at LWD.
    • Position (1983): LAT 46° 36′ 16″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 49″ W.
    • The wreck was described as approximately 50 feet long at this time.
    • Evaluator’s Review: Discredited this position and provided more accurate coordinates.
  • Accurate Positioning (1984-1985):
    • Final Coordinates: LAT 46° 36′ 16.29″ N, LONG 90° 56′ 48.96″ W.
    • Confirmed the wreck’s dimensions as 30 feet in length and a height of 6 feet at LWD.

CURRENT CONDITION

Visibility: The wreck is a visible feature, with part of its structure protruding above the water in shallow conditions.

Access:

  • The site is accessible for shallow-water diving and recreational exploration.
  • Recommended for historical study due to its good visibility and condition.

NAVIGATION CONSIDERATIONS

Charting Status:

  • Marked as a visible wreck on nautical charts.
  • Identified as a high-quality feature due to accurate positioning and surveys.

Mariner Advice: Exercise caution in the area, particularly during low water levels.

SIGNIFICANCE

This wreck serves as an example of early wooden sailing vessels in the Great Lakes, illustrating the transition between wood and steel in shipbuilding. Its orientation and visible structure make it an excellent site for divers, archaeologists, and historians studying maritime history in Lake Superior.

REFERENCES

  • Hydrographic Surveys (1978–1985)
  • Marine Safety Manual (MSM)
  • NOAA Nautical Charts

CONCLUSION

The unknown wreck near 46.604458, -90.947119 remains a fascinating relic of Lake Superior’s maritime heritage. Its visible structure, wooden hull sheathed in steel, and well-documented history provide valuable insights into 19th- and early 20th-century vessel construction and navigation in the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

#LakeSuperior #Shipwreck #VisibleWreck #WoodenSailingVessel #MaritimeHistory #NavigationHazard

record-3343 1978-03-14 07:49:00