Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Unidentified Sidewheeler
- Type: Wreck – Visible
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approximately 90 x 320 ft (27 x 98 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2.4 m / 8 ft
- Location: Near St. Marys River
- Coordinates: 45°59'19.1"N 83°53'52.4"W
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Side-wheel steamboat
Description
The wreck is likely the remains of an old side-wheel steamboat, with historical records indicating its significance in regional trade. The wreck is partially exposed, allowing for observation and shallow diving.
History
Year sunk: Unknown.
Survey History:
- 1936 (LS1703/36): Two wrecks identified at approximate coordinates 45-59-19.1N, 83-53-52.4W.
- 1982 (CL213/82): Determined to be one large exposed wreck in 45-59-20N, 83-53-50W.
- 1984-85 (TP00361): The wreck was not visible in aerial photos.
- 1989 (H10313/89): OPR-X278 survey identified the wreck as a 90×320-foot structure, partially exposed.
Significant Incidents
Side-wheel steamboats were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes. The large dimensions suggest this vessel was a significant part of regional trade or transport networks.
Final Disposition
The wreck lies at the specified coordinates near St. Marys River, likely in a shallow area accessible for surface observation and shallow dives. Historical depth soundings indicate exposed sections protruding 8 feet above the waterline during surveys.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is visible and accessible for observation or shallow diving, with parts of the wreck exposed above the waterline.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”unidentified-sidewheeler” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
This large, exposed wreck of a side-wheel steamboat adds a fascinating chapter to the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its visibility and accessibility make it an intriguing site for history enthusiasts and divers alike. Further identification and documentation may yield insights into its origins and role in Great Lakes commerce.
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.
45°59’19.1″N 83°53’52.4″W
Identification & Site Information
- Record ID: 5591
- Feature Type: Wreck – Visible
- Coordinates:
- Latitude: 45.988908
- Longitude: -83.897225
- Depth: Exposed, with parts bare at 8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Dimensions: Approximately 90 x 320 feet (27 x 98 meters)
- Condition: Visible; identified as remains of a large side-wheel steamboat.
- Accessibility: Parts of the wreck are exposed, making it visible and accessible for observation or shallow diving.
Historical Overview
Year sunk: Unknown.
Description: Historical records indicate the wreck is likely the remains of an old side-wheel steamboat. Initial surveys suggested two submerged wrecks in the area; subsequent investigations revealed a single large wreck.
Survey History:
- 1936 (LS1703/36): Two wrecks identified at approximate coordinates 45-59-19.1N, 83-53-52.4W.
- 1982 (CL213/82): Determined to be one large exposed wreck in 45-59-20N, 83-53-50W.
- 1984-85 (TP00361): The wreck was not visible in aerial photos.
- 1989 (H10313/89): OPR-X278 survey identified the wreck as a 90×320-foot structure, partially exposed.
- Vessel Description
- Type: Side-wheel steamboat.
- Construction: Wooden hull with visible remnants of large paddle wheels.
- Length: Approximately 320 feet.
- Width: Approximately 90 feet.
Side-wheel steamboats were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes. The large dimensions suggest this vessel was a significant part of regional trade or transport networks.
Location Notes
The wreck lies at the specified coordinates near St. Marys River, likely in a shallow area accessible for surface observation and shallow dives. Historical depth soundings indicate exposed sections protruding 8 feet above the waterline during surveys.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Wrecks
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- NOAA Charts: Lake Huron Wrecks
Conclusion
This large, exposed wreck of a side-wheel steamboat adds a fascinating chapter to the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its visibility and accessibility make it an intriguing site for history enthusiasts and divers alike. Further identification and documentation may yield insights into its origins and role in Great Lakes commerce.
Keywords: #SideWheelSteamboat #LakeHuronWreck #VisibleWreck #GreatLakesShipwrecks #HistoricalMaritimeSites
unidentified-sidewheeler 1936-03-14 07:53:00