Sadie Thompson – Lake Superior Barge Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sadie Thompson
• Type: Derrick Barge
• Year Built: 1890s
• Builder: Not documented
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: Not documented
• Depth at Wreck Site: 35 m / 115 ft
• Location: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) south of Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
• Coordinates: 46° 42.537′ N 84° 59.878′ W
• Official Number: Not documented
• Original Owners: Not documented
• Number of Masts: Not documented

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Derrick Barge

Description

The Sadie Thompson was a wooden-hulled derrick barge constructed in the 1890s. Equipped with a steam-driven boiler on deck, it was primarily utilized for heavy lifting and construction tasks. In the 1950s, during the construction of the Whitefish Bay Harbor, the barge played a significant role in supporting maritime infrastructure projects.

History

During a storm in the 1950s, while engaged in harbor construction activities, the Sadie Thompson broke free from its moorings. The vessel drifted approximately 4 miles southwest of Whitefish Point before succumbing to the turbulent waters of Lake Superior and sinking. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from this incident.

Significant Incidents

• No reported casualties during the sinking.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Sadie Thompson now rests on its side at a depth of 115 feet (35 meters) on the lakebed. The barge’s derrick remains attached, offering divers a glimpse into its operational past. The site has become a popular destination for advanced recreational divers due to its historical significance and relatively intact structure.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Specific details regarding the discovery and identification of the Sadie Thompson wreck are not documented.

• Obstructions: Divers should be aware of potential entanglement hazards due to the barge’s structure and attached equipment.
• Preserve Regulations: The wreck lies within the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, a protected area established to conserve shipwrecks and historical resources. Divers are encouraged to respect preserve guidelines to protect the site’s integrity.

Resources & Links

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The Sadie Thompson serves as a submerged testament to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, particularly the industrial efforts in harbor construction during the mid-20th century. Its well-preserved state offers divers and historians alike an opportunity to explore and study a piece of nautical heritage within the protective bounds of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve.