Unidentified Sidewheeler – Unreported Shipwreck

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

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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.