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.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

Description

The wreck remains include exposed ribs (frames), a keelson (or remnants thereof), and sections of deck planking. The structural elements are partially eroded, and exposure may fluctuate with water level, wave action, and sediment dynamics. The presence of ribs and keelson suggests a framed wooden vessel rather than a flat-bottom barge; the deck planking implies it had an upper deck or at least covered hull structure. The construction appears consistent with small to medium-sized craft (e.g. schooner, workboat, or local ferry) rather than large commercial steamer.

History

No known archival reference currently ties to this wreck. Local historical societies, old harbor charts, insurance records, or newspapers might mention lost or abandoned craft along Stoney Creek. It is possible that this was a smaller working vessel (tug, scow, fishing boat, ferry) operating in inland or near-shore waters, which would make it less likely to be recorded in large ship registries.

The final voyage circumstances are unknown. Given its proximity to shore, it might have grounded during a storm, been intentionally beached and abandoned, or suffered structural failure. Over decades, exposure to water, wood decay, and shifting sediments would degrade the remains to what is seen today.

Final Dispositions

The cause of loss is uncertain. The wreck is in partial survival — structural remains (ribs, keelson, planking) remain, though degraded. It is neither fully upright nor intact. The upper structures (superstructure, rigging, cabin areas) have likely been lost to decay or removal. The wreck is essentially in “collapsed ruin” condition.

Located By & Date Found

Discovered (or re‑noted) by **Daniel Gildea** & **Carl Furillo** while fishing for salmon 11 Oct 2025. Coordinates or survey logs are not yet documented publicly.

Notmars & Advisories

No official notices to mariners (NOTMAR) or navigation warnings appear in current databases. Because the wreck lies close to shore, it likely does not pose a major hazard to navigation in open waters. Local shore-users (small craft, swimmers) should be cautioned of submerged timbers and uneven bottom.

Dive Information

Access: Shore / wade‑in or small boat
Entry Point: Along Stoney Creek bank (exact access point to be surveyed)
Conditions: Expect low to moderate visibility, shallow water, possible current or wave action, seasonal sediment shifts
Depth Range: Likely 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) in submerged parts (estimate)
Emergency Contacts: (Local marine/shore rescue, nearest Coast Guard or county water patrol)
Permits: Check with local municipal, county, or state historic preservation authorities for diving in protected or inland waters
Dive Support: Nearest dive shops or charter operators to be identified in the region

Crew & Casualty Memorials

None known. Without identification, no known crew list or memorial exists. Local historical societies or newspapers might yield leads if an incident was reported.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“[No archival statements yet located for this wreck.]”

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

No registry or insurance records have been linked. If the vessel was small, it might not have been formally registered or insured in large databases. Searching county or state vessel records, harbor master logs, or marine insurance archives might yield potential matches.

Site Documentation & Imaging

At present, the site is documented via field observations (exposed ribs, deck planking). No known photogrammetry, sonar surveys, 3D modelling, or formal archaeological record exists. A high-resolution side-scan, photogrammetric dive mapping, and detailed timber measurement survey would be beneficial.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
• Newspapers.com
• Find A Grave

References

1. Field observations supplied by user (Gildea & Furillo findings)
2. [No published archival references found to date]

NOAA Shipwreck Record Card

Recommendations for Next Steps & Research Strategy

1. Field Survey & Measurement: Return to the site with precise surveying tools (tape, laser rangefinder, sonar, GPS). Record the following:
   • Total preserved length (exposed)
   • Frame spacing (rib-to-rib distance)
   • Dimensions of rib (sided, molded height)
   • Keel / keelson cross-section and scarping scars
   • Planking dimensions (width, thickness) and fastener types (nails, treenails)
   • Any artifacts (hardware, metal fittings, ballast)
2. Photogrammetry / 3D Modeling: Use dive photography and structure-from-motion (SfM) software to produce 3D model documentation.
3. Historical Research:
   • Consult local archives, county historical societies, old newspapers (especially in the time period of late 1800s to early 1900s) for reports of lost boats, beachings or salvage operations near Stoney Creek.
   • Review old charts, Sanborn maps, harbor logs, and marine insurance claims in nearby ports.
   • Check state or federal vessel registration records (if the vessel was of a size requiring registration) and insurance archives.
4. Comparative Typology: Compare timber and frame measurements with known small-craft wrecks in the region to narrow the vessel type (e.g. small schooner, tug, ferry, freight lighter).
5. Engage Local Historians / Diver Community: Sometimes local divers or longtime residents may recall stories or magazines referencing a wreck in that area.
6. Permit and Legal Compliance: Check with the state’s historic preservation office (or equivalent) about any regulations governing diving, disturbance, or documentation of submerged cultural resources.