Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Scanlon
- Type: Wooden Tugboat
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length 50-100 ft (15-30 m); Beam 30 ft (9 m); Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 1.5 m / 5 ft
- Location: Lake Huron
- Coordinates: 45°03'17.2"N 83°25'54.9"W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Scanlon was a wooden tugboat, commonly used for towing or pushing larger vessels and transporting goods. These tugboats were integral to maritime operations, particularly in the Great Lakes region. With a likely length of 15–30 meters (50–100 feet) and a beam of 9 meters (30 feet), the Scanlon was robustly built to handle the transportation of stone and other heavy cargo, showcasing its vital role in local commerce and navigation.
Description
The Scanlon served as a vital component of Lake Huron’s maritime trade, aiding in the transport of stone and assisting other vessels in challenging conditions. The tugboat met its demise in shallow waters, sinking with a cargo of stone in only 3 meters (10 feet) of water. Over time, the wreck broke apart, leaving visible remains such as ribs, planking, sidewalls, a boiler, and a propeller mast.
Historical records and diver investigations have documented the wreck’s position and condition extensively. Despite its long submersion, the wreck remains a site of interest for divers and maritime historians. However, its shallow depth and deteriorated state present hazards for navigation and diving.
History
The wreck lies at a depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet) in Lake Huron, making it a significant hazard for surface navigation. Though broken apart, key structural elements like the ribs, planking, and boiler are still visible. Natural forces have contributed to its current state, but the wreck remains relatively well-preserved given its age. It is both a navigational hazard and a historical artifact.
Significant Incidents
- The wreck’s position was first recorded in survey CL574/82. Its coordinates, confirmed by subsequent surveys, are Latitude 45°03’17.2″N, Longitude 83°25’54.9″W. These consistent findings ensure its inclusion in the Hydrographic Cell (HCell) database for accurate charting and ongoing monitoring.
Final Disposition
Mariners must refer to the latest Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for updates about this wreck. The shallow depth and seasonal variability in visibility make navigation and diving hazardous. Caution is essential.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Scanlon wreck in Lake Huron is a significant site for both historical study and recreational diving. Its shallow depth and partial structure pose dangers to navigation but also make it an accessible site for experienced divers. Ongoing monitoring and awareness through surveys and NOTMARs ensure that the wreck remains accurately documented and safely navigable.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”scanlon” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Mariners and divers must exercise extreme caution when navigating or exploring this site. Regularly updated survey data and official maritime advisories provide the best guidance for safe interaction with the area.
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
- Vessel Name: Scanlon
- Vessel Type: Wooden Tugboat
- Coordinates: 45°03’17.2″N 83°25’54.9″W
- Location: Lake Huron
- Depth: 1.5 meters (5 feet) below the water’s surface
- Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
- Survey Data: High-quality position data confirmed through multiple surveys
Vessel Type Description
The Scanlon was a wooden tugboat, commonly used for towing or pushing larger vessels and transporting goods. These tugboats were integral to maritime operations, particularly in the Great Lakes region. With a likely length of 15–30 meters (50–100 feet) and a beam of 9 meters (30 feet), the Scanlon was robustly built to handle the transportation of stone and other heavy cargo, showcasing its vital role in local commerce and navigation.
History
The Scanlon served as a vital component of Lake Huron’s maritime trade, aiding in the transport of stone and assisting other vessels in challenging conditions. The tugboat met its demise in shallow waters, sinking with a cargo of stone in only 3 meters (10 feet) of water. Over time, the wreck broke apart, leaving visible remains such as ribs, planking, sidewalls, a boiler, and a propeller mast.
Historical records and diver investigations have documented the wreck’s position and condition extensively. Despite its long submersion, the wreck remains a site of interest for divers and maritime historians. However, its shallow depth and deteriorated state present hazards for navigation and diving.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies at a depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet) in Lake Huron, making it a significant hazard for surface navigation. Though broken apart, key structural elements like the ribs, planking, and boiler are still visible. Natural forces have contributed to its current state, but the wreck remains relatively well-preserved given its age. It is both a navigational hazard and a historical artifact.
Located By & Date
The wreck’s position was first recorded in survey CL574/82. Its coordinates, confirmed by subsequent surveys, are Latitude 45°03’17.2″N, Longitude 83°25’54.9″W. These consistent findings ensure its inclusion in the Hydrographic Cell (HCell) database for accurate charting and ongoing monitoring.
NOTMARs & Advisories
- Mariners must refer to the latest Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for updates about this wreck.
- The shallow depth and seasonal variability in visibility make navigation and diving hazardous. Caution is essential.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Thunder Bay
- NOAA AWOIS Database: NOAA AWOIS
Conclusion
The Scanlon wreck in Lake Huron is a significant site for both historical study and recreational diving. Its shallow depth and partial structure pose dangers to navigation but also make it an accessible site for experienced divers. Ongoing monitoring and awareness through surveys and NOTMARs ensure that the wreck remains accurately documented and safely navigable.
Keywords•Scanlon Shipwreck•Lake Huron Tugboat•Wooden Tugboat Wreck•Submerged Wreck•Great Lakes Maritime History•Navigation Hazard
GPS Coordinates & Additional Info
- Coordinates: Latitude 45°03’17.2″N, Longitude 83°25’54.9″W
- Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
Mariners and divers must exercise extreme caution when navigating or exploring this site. Regularly updated survey data and official maritime advisories provide the best guidance for safe interaction with the area.
scanlon 1980-03-14 07:51:00