Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Steven Selvick (Lorian, Cabot)

Explore the Steven Selvick, a tugboat turned artificial reef in Lake Superior, offering divers a glimpse into maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Selvick (formerly LORIAN, later Cabot)
  • Type: Tug
  • Year Built: 1915
  • Builder: Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length: 70 ft (21.3 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 60 ft
  • Location: Near Alger Preserve, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: 46° 29.53′ N, 086° 35.87′ W
  • Original Owners: Selvick Marine and Towing Company

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Tug

Description

The Selvick is a 70-foot-long tug intentionally sunk as an artificial reef for sport diving. She rests on her port side at a 40-degree angle and points north. The wreck lies in clear waters, making it an accessible and rewarding dive site for recreational divers.

History

Built: 1915 in Cleveland, Ohio, and originally christened the LORIAN.

Renamed Cabot: Played a significant role in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge.

Final Name: Purchased by Selvick Marine and Towing Company in 1988 and renamed Selvick.

Preservation: Donated to the Alger Preserve in 1994.

Purposeful Sinking: Sunk in 1996 to create a controlled and safe environment for diving exploration.

Significant Incidents

  • 1996: Intentionally sunk to serve as an artificial reef.

Final Disposition

The Selvick remains an artificial reef, providing a habitat for marine life and a dive site for recreational divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is well-preserved due to its intentional sinking and limited exposure to natural decay. It offers accessible entry points, an intact superstructure, and good visibility typical of the area.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”steven-selvick-lorian-cabot” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Selvick is a well-maintained artificial reef that offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history. Her accessible depth, excellent condition, and clear waters make her a popular site for recreational diving while honoring the tug’s legacy and contribution to maritime history.

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:

  • Name: Selvick (formerly LORIAN, later Cabot)
  • Type: Tug
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 70 feet (21.3 meters)
  • Final Depth: 30–60 feet (9–18 meters)
  • Location: Near Alger Preserve, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: 46° 29.53′ N, 086° 35.87′ W
  • Year Sunk: 1996 (intentionally sunk for sport diving)

Vessel Description:

The Selvick is a 70-foot-long tug intentionally sunk as an artificial reef for sport diving. She rests on her port side at a 40-degree angle and points north. The wreck lies in clear waters, making it an accessible and rewarding dive site for recreational divers.

Historical Context:

  • Built: 1915 in Cleveland, Ohio, and originally christened the LORIAN.
  • Renamed Cabot: Played a significant role in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge.
  • Final Name: Purchased by Selvick Marine and Towing Company in 1988 and renamed Selvick.
  • Preservation: Donated to the Alger Preserve in 1994.
  • Purposeful Sinking: Sunk in 1996 to create a controlled and safe environment for diving exploration.

Dive Site Features:

  • Orientation: Lies on her port side at a 40-degree angle.
  • Depth Range:
    • Minimum: 30 feet (9 meters)
    • Maximum: 60 feet (18 meters)
  • Condition: Well-preserved due to intentional sinking and limited exposure to natural decay.
  • Points of Interest:
    • Accessible entry points into the tug.
    • Intact superstructure and towing gear.
    • Good visibility, typical of the area.
  • Diving Experience:
    • Skill Level: Suitable for recreational divers, including beginners, due to its shallow depth and safe structure.
    • Visibility: Generally excellent, owing to the clean waters of Lake Superior.
    • Hazards:Minimal, but divers should be cautious of currents and ensure proper buoyancy control inside the wreck.

Historical Significance:

The Selvick is a testament to the tugboats that served multiple roles in industrial and infrastructure projects on the Great Lakes. Her involvement in the construction of the iconic Mackinac Bridge underscores her importance to regional history. By transitioning from industrial use to an artificial reef, the Selvick continues to serve the community, now as a dive attraction and habitat for marine life.

Resources & Links:

Conclusion:

The Selvick is a well-maintained artificial reef that offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history. Her accessible depth, excellent condition, and clear waters make her a popular site for recreational diving while honoring the tug’s legacy and contribution to maritime history.

Tags:

Selvick tug wreck, Lake Superior diving, Mackinac Bridge history, Alger Preserve wreck, artificial reef.

steven-selvick-lorian-cabot 1996-03-14 07:51:00