Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Unknown (False St. Andrew)

Explore the intriguing wreck of the Unknown, also known as False St. Andrew, a wooden schooner resting in Lake Huron, rich in maritime history and mystery.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown (False St. Andrew)
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length: Not documented; Width: Not documented; Depth: Not documented
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 18.29 m / 60 ft
  • Location: Lake Huron, Michigan
  • Coordinates: 45° 42.051′ N, 084° 31.795′ W
  • Number of Masts: Not documented

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Unknown Schooner, also referred to as the “False St. Andrew,” is an unidentified shipwreck located in Lake Huron near Michigan. This wooden schooner is a common type of cargo ship that was prevalent on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Description

The wreck lies at a depth of 60 ft (18.29 m) and is significantly disarticulated, with key components collapsed but still present at the site:

  • Deck and Sides: Collapsed but extant, lying flat on the lakebed.
  • Artifacts and Structural Features:
    • Centerboard Trunk: A prominent feature, suggesting the schooner was designed for shallow-water navigation.
    • Windlass: Located at the bow area.
    • Rudder Post: Extant near the stern.
    • Cathead (Starboard Side): Visible on site, used for handling anchors.
    • Mast Holes: Two are visible, indicating the schooner had at least two masts.
    • Cabin Roof: Partially buried but extant, offering clues about the crew’s living quarters.

History

The Unknown Schooner, nicknamed the “False St. Andrew,” is an unidentified shipwreck located in Lake Huron near Michigan. The name stems from earlier misidentification as the schooner St. Andrew, though subsequent research disproved the connection. The vessel’s design and artifacts suggest it was a wooden schooner, a common type of cargo ship on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Without definitive records of its construction or sinking, the exact identity and history of this wreck remain a mystery. However, the presence of a centerboard trunk and multiple masts aligns with schooner construction used primarily for transporting bulk goods like lumber, grain, or coal.

Significant Incidents

  • Misidentified as the schooner St. Andrew, leading to confusion regarding its identity.

Final Disposition

The wreck is part of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve and is protected under Michigan maritime heritage laws. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and leave artifacts undisturbed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site is significantly disarticulated but contains key structural features and artifacts that provide insight into 19th-century shipbuilding. The wreck is accessible to recreational divers, with generally good visibility at this depth, although sediment disturbances can temporarily reduce clarity.

Resources & Links

The “False St. Andrew” is an intriguing shipwreck due to its misidentification and the mystery surrounding its origins. Its disarticulated state offers a unique opportunity to study schooner construction methods, including the centerboard trunk and cathead, which are well-preserved examples of 19th-century shipbuilding. The wreck serves as a reminder of the thousands of vessels that traversed the Great Lakes, many of which disappeared without clear records.