Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unknown Wreck
- Type: Visible Wreck
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approximately 328 ft (100 m) in length
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Huron area, near the Straits of Mackinac
- Coordinates: Latitude 45.988908°N, Longitude -83.897225°W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The wreck is suspected to be the remains of a large sidewheel steamboat, a design common in the 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting passengers and cargo across the Great Lakes. These vessels were recognizable by their large paddle wheels positioned on either side of the hull and were vital for regional commerce and transit.
Description
The wreck remains visible above the waterline, making it accessible for observation and exploration without requiring diving equipment. The exposed nature also provides a unique opportunity for above-water archaeological documentation. However, its condition as an old and exposed wreck makes it vulnerable to weathering and environmental decay.
History
Historical records provide the following insights:
- LS1703/36: Two submerged wrecks were initially reported in this vicinity, with approximate coordinates 45°59.19’N, 83°53.52’W.
- CL213/82: A subsequent charting effort confirmed the presence of a single large wreck rather than two smaller ones. The wreck was identified as a likely sidewheel steamboat.
- TP00361/84-85: The wreck was not visible in aerial photographs taken during this period.
- H10313/89: A detailed survey in 1989 confirmed the wreckage’s dimensions (90×320 feet, approximately 27×97 meters) and noted that it bares 8 feet above the surface.
The steamboat likely served during the heyday of steam-driven Great Lakes vessels but may have succumbed to age, accident, or severe weather, leading to its abandonment or destruction.
Significant Incidents
Significant incidents related to the wreck include:
- Initial reports of two submerged wrecks in the area.
- Confirmation of a single large wreck through charting efforts.
- Absence of the wreck in aerial photographs during certain periods.
- Detailed surveys confirming dimensions and visibility above water.
Final Disposition
The wreck’s identity remains unknown, with no confirmed name or sinking year. Researchers and maritime historians may use this information in conjunction with archival shipping and wreck loss records to match it to a known vessel.
Current Condition & Accessibility
This exposed wreck offers a glimpse into the history of Great Lakes steam navigation. Its preservation and visibility make it a significant site for historical research and public interest. Further efforts to identify the wreck and its story could contribute to our understanding of the region’s maritime heritage.
Resources & Links
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As you explore this site, remember to respect the wreck and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and consider documenting your observations ethically and responsibly.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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