Steven Selvick (lorian, Cabot – Lake Superior Tug Shipwreck (1996)

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

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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.

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Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

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