Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Slope Wreck

Explore the submerged Slope Wreck, a late 19th or early 20th-century wooden vessel with steel reinforcement, lying on a slope in Lake Huron. A navigation hazard with rich archaeological potential.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Slope Wreck
  • Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length 135 ft (41.1 m); Beam 36 ft (11 m); Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 9.75 m / 32 ft
  • Location: The wreck lies on a slope, oriented southeast to northwest.
  • Coordinates: Latitude 45°59'13.26"N, Longitude 83°53'50.06"W
  • Original Owners: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Slope Wreck is categorized as a submerged wreck that poses a danger to surface navigation due to its shallowest depth of 6 feet.

Description

The wreck measures 135 feet in length and 36 feet in width, constructed of wood with steel framing. It is currently lying on its starboard side along a slope.

History

Initial Documentation
In 1972, the wreck was first identified at latitude 45°59’14.5″N and longitude 83°53’49″W, noted to lie on a slope in 30 feet of water. A fathometer reading indicated a least depth of 15 feet at Low Water Datum (LWD).
1984–1985: The wreck was not visible in aerial photographs during subsequent surveys.
Detailed Survey and Investigation
1989 (H10310/89): A survey conducted by OPR-X278-AHP-89 located the wreck via echosounder and investigated it with divers. Findings indicated the wreck lies in 6 to 32 feet of water, with the bow at a least depth of 6 feet and the stern recorded at 14 feet. Recommendations were made to update nautical charts to reflect accurate wreck location and depths.
Charting Update
1991 (MSD Update): The charted “sunken wreck” symbol was deleted, and the wreck feature was updated with detailed depth soundings based on the 1989 survey.

Significant Incidents

  • The wreck was first identified in 1972.
  • It was not visible in aerial photographs during 1984-1985 surveys.
  • A detailed survey in 1989 confirmed the wreck’s location and depths.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains a confirmed hazard to navigation, with its structural integrity intact but lying on its side and partially submerged along a slope.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is partially exposed and presents a hazard to surface navigation due to its shallowest depth of 6 feet. The structural integrity of the vessel remains intact.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”slope-wreck” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Slope Wreck is a well-documented hazard to navigation, with precise dimensions and depth readings charted. Its history and purpose remain unknown, inviting future research and exploration.

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: Record 5590

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Record Number: 5590
  • Vessel Terms: Unknown
  • Feature Type: Wreck – Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
  • Coordinates:
    • Latitude (Decimal): 45.987036
    • Longitude (Decimal): -83.897242
    • Latitude (DMS): 45°59’13.26″N
    • Longitude (DMS): 83°53’50.06″W
  • Depth:
    • Shallowest depth: 6 feet
    • Deepest depth: 32 feet
  • Location:
    • The wreck lies on a slope, oriented southeast to northwest.
  • VESSEL DESCRIPTION
    • Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)
    • Width: 36 feet (11 meters)
    • Hull: Wood
    • Frame: Steel
    • Position: Lying on its starboard side.

HISTORY

Initial Documentation

  • 1972: The wreck was first identified at latitude 45°59’14.5″N, longitude 83°53’49″W. It was noted to lie on a slope in 30 feet of water. A fathometer reading revealed a least depth of 15 feet at Low Water Datum (LWD).
  • 1984–1985: The wreck was not visible in aerial photographs during subsequent surveys.

Detailed Survey and Investigation

1989 (H10310/89):

  • Survey conducted by OPR-X278-AHP-89.
  • The wreck was located via echosounder and investigated by divers.

Findings:

  • The wreck lies in 6 to 32 feet of water.
  • Bow: Least depth of 6 feet.
  • Center: Depth of 11 feet.
  • Stern: Diver gauge recorded 14 feet.
  • Measurements were reduced to LWD for accuracy.
  • Recommendation: Update nautical charts to reflect accurate wreck location and depths.

Charting Update

1991 (MSD Update): The charted “sunken wreck” symbol was deleted, and the wreck feature was updated with detailed depth soundings based on the 1989 survey.

CURRENT CONDITION & SAFETY WARNING

  • The wreck lies partially exposed and presents a hazard to surface navigation due to its shallowest depth of 6 feet.
  • The structural integrity of the vessel remains intact, though it is lying on its side and partially submerged along a slope.

SIGNIFICANCE AND CONTEXT

The wreck is an example of late 19th or early 20th-century wooden vessel construction with steel reinforcement. Its historical significance is tied to its unknown origins, making it a subject of interest for maritime archaeologists. Further investigation could provide insights into the vessel’s identity and its role in Great Lakes navigation.

CONCLUSION

The wreck at Record 5590 is a well-documented hazard to navigation. Its precise dimensions, depth readings, and positioning have been charted, ensuring the safety of mariners in the area. However, the vessel’s history and purpose remain shrouded in mystery, leaving room for future research and exploration.

TAGS

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeHuron #SubmergedWreck #NavigationHazard #MaritimeArchaeology

RESOURCES

  • NOAA Nautical Charts
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
  • Hydrographic Surveys (H10310/89)
  • MSD Records (1991 Update)
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