Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SUPERIOR (formerly MENTOR)
- Type: sand dredge
- Year Built: 1881
- Builder: Soren Anderson, Fort Howard, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 138 ft (42 m) X 30.5 ft (9.3 m); 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 327 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 5 m / 15 ft
- Location: south of the entrance to DeTour Harbor
- Official Number: U91378 (MENTOR) and 214461 (SUPERIOR)
- Number of Masts: single-mast
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
- Originally a sailing scow sloop.
- Converted to a steamer in 1888.
- Transformed into a sand dredge in 1916.
Description
The SUPERIOR began its life as the MENTOR, a scow sloop designed for shallow water and cargo transport. It underwent several transformations, becoming a steamer in 1888 and later a sand dredge in 1916 after being deemed unfit for further service. These changes reflected the evolving needs of its operators and advances in maritime technology.
The vessel ultimately met its demise in 1929 when it burned near the entrance to DeTour Harbor. Much of the upper structure has since been lost to fire, wave action, and human activity. The wreck, situated in shallow water, provides an opportunity to explore the remains of a vessel that saw diverse use over nearly five decades.
History
The SUPERIOR was originally built as the MENTOR in 1881 and was a flat-bottomed single-mast sailing sloop. In 1888, it was converted to a steamer, and in 1916, it was rebuilt as a sand dredge. The vessel was active for several decades, adapting to the changing demands of maritime operations.
Significant Incidents
- Burned in 1929, leading to its current wreck status.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies south of the entrance to DeTour Harbor in water depths ranging from 0 to 15 ft (0 to 5 m). Only the bottom hull structure and scattered artifacts, including a small winch in deeper water, remain visible.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is easily accessible due to its shallow location and low water levels, but divers and visitors should exercise caution due to debris and potential instability of the remaining structure.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”superior-mentor-us-91378″ title=”References & Links”]
As a significant historical wreck, the SUPERIOR offers divers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes, showcasing the evolution of vessel design and function over time.
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: SUPERIOR (formerly MENTOR)
- Other Names: MENTOR, Official Numbers U91378 (MENTOR) and 214461 (SUPERIOR)
- Build Year & Location: 1881, Fort Howard, Wisconsin by Soren Anderson.
- Measurements:
- Original (MENTOR):
- 118 ft (36 m) in length,
- 26 ft (8 m) beam,
- 9 ft (2.7 m) depth
- 230 gross tons.
- •Post-Rebuild (SUPERIOR):
- 138 ft (42 m) in length,
- 30.5 ft (9.3 m) beam
- 8 ft (2.4 m) depth
- 327 gross tons.
- Service:
- As MENTOR: Flat-bottomed single-mast sailing sloop.
- Converted to steamer in 1888.
- Rebuilt as a sand dredge in 1916.
- Fate: Burned in 1929, now a wreck near DeTour Harbor, Lake Superior.
- Vessel Type:
- Originally a sailing scow sloop.
- Converted to a steamer in 1888.
- Transformed into a sand dredge in 1916.
Description:
The SUPERIOR began its life as the MENTOR, a scow sloop designed for shallow water and cargo transport. It underwent several transformations, becoming a steamer in 1888 and later a sand dredge in 1916 after being deemed unfit for further service. These changes reflected the evolving needs of its operators and advances in maritime technology.
The vessel ultimately met its demise in 1929 when it burned near the entrance to DeTour Harbor. Much of the upper structure has since been lost to fire, wave action, and human activity. The wreck, situated in shallow water, provides an opportunity to explore the remains of a vessel that saw diverse use over nearly five decades.
Final Dispositions:
The wreck lies south of the entrance to DeTour Harbor in water depths ranging from 0 to 15 ft (0 to 5 m). Only the bottom hull structure and scattered artifacts, including a small winch in deeper water, remain visible.
Located By & Date Found:
Not documented as a specific rediscovery; its shallow location and partial exposure above water make it accessible and known to locals and visitors.
Notices & Advisories:
The wreck is easily accessible due to its shallow location and low water levels, but divers and visitors should exercise caution due to debris and potential instability of the remaining structure.
External Links:
- Visit Drummond Island for local diving and tourist information.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society for similar wreck information.
Suggested Keywords:
SUPERIOR shipwreck, MENTOR scow sloop, DeTour Harbor wreck, Lake Superior dredge history, sand dredge shipwreck.
superior-mentor-us-91378 1929-03-14 07:52:00