Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Sophie’s Wreck (Amethyst?)

Explore the intriguing remains of Sophie’s Wreck, a wooden tug in Lake Superior, accessible for divers and snorkelers alike.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Sophie’s Wreck
  • Type: Tug
  • Year Built:
  • Builder: Unknown
  • Dimensions: Approximately 30+ ft (9.1+ m); Not documented; Not documented
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 2.4 m / 8 ft
  • Location: Approximately 150 yards offshore near the 2600 Block of Minnesota Point
  • Official Number: Unknown
  • Original Owners: Unknown
  • Number of Masts: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The wreck appears to be a wooden tug, a small and sturdy vessel typically used for towing and assisting ships or barges. Its partial remains suggest it was equipped with a single-cylinder steam engine.

Description

The wreck was discovered near Minnesota Point, Minnesota, in Lake Superior, by a young girl named Sophie, who spotted it through clear ice. This led to the local newspaper naming it Sophie’s Wreck. The identity of the vessel remains unknown, though one possibility is the tug Amethyst.

The wreck consists of the portion of the vessel from just forward of the engine to the propeller. Key features visible include:

  • The crank and bottom of a single-cylinder steam engine.
  • The shaft and propeller.
  • Much of the wreck is embedded in sand, and visibility of the structure varies with environmental conditions.

History

The wreck was first identified when Sophie observed it under the ice. Since then, it has been photographed and documented as a unique historical site, though its full identity remains a mystery.

Significant Incidents

  • Discovered by Sophie under the ice, leading to its naming.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies in 8 ft (2.4 m) of water approximately 150 yards offshore near the 2600 Block of Minnesota Point, making it easily accessible. Its shallow location allows for observation through clear ice and during favourable diving conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Due to its shallow depth, the wreck is accessible to snorkelers, beginner divers, and even casual observers during periods of clear ice. The sand around the site shifts over time, which can reveal or obscure parts of the wreck. Visitors are encouraged to avoid disturbing the site, as it is part of the region’s submerged cultural resources.

Resources & Links

As you explore Sophie’s Wreck, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this historical site and its surroundings.