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

Unknown No. 3 is classified as a **canaller**, a vessel type suited to canal or restricted‑water operations with relatively narrow beam. The documented remains consist of a main frame measuring approximately 83.4 ft by 34.6 ft. Based on marine architectural inference, the full vessel may have been 160 to 200 ft long. The hull appears to be wooden, with heavy framing visible in the exposed structure. Artifact evidence at the site suggests that the vessel likely carried bulk cargo (e.g. lumber).

History

No definitive historical record or archival documentation has yet been matched to Unknown No. 3. Because the remains are fragmentary, the original vessel’s name, ownership, trade routes, and career remain speculative.

Final Dispositions

Unknown No. 3 likely sank or was abandoned in shallow water near the shoreline. Over time, sedimentation and wave action may have buried portions of the structure. As of surveys conducted in 2011 (or earlier), the wreck is partially buried, with only exposed timbers and framing elements visible.

Located By & Date Found

This wreck is included in the Indiana DNR’s Lake Michigan shipwreck inventory under *Unknown No. 3*. The remains were documented (likely in the 1980s) via underwater archaeological survey, measurement, photography, and sketching. The Historic Marker Database also records the site and its interpretation.

Notmars & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) are known for this shallow wreck. Mariners and shoreline operators near Pines, Indiana should consult current charts and local authorities for updated hazards.

Dive Information

Access: Shore / wading or very shallow dive Entry Point: Near Pines, Indiana coastline Conditions: Shallow water, possible turbidity, wave action, shifting sediment Depth Range: Essentially intertidal to a few feet submerged Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Lake Michigan; Indiana DNR underwater heritage office Permits: Likely required under Indiana underwater archaeology / heritage regulations Dive Support: Nearest support from Michigan City / Northwest Indiana dive operators

Crew & Casualty Memorials

No information is available regarding the crew or casualties; no memorials have been associated with this site.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“Unknown No. 3 — wreck remains near Pines, Indiana, remnant main frame ~83.4 × 34.6 ft, estimated full length 160–200 ft, possibly buried as of 2011.” — Indiana DNR / shipwreck summary (as listed in state inventory)

“Archeologists … at shipwreck ‘Unknown 3’ near Pines, Indiana, study the size and layout of the vessel to learn about its history.” — HMDB Shipwreck Archeology entry

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

No registry, enrollment, or insurance documentation has been correlated with this wreck. Further archival research (vessel registers, port logs, 19th century shipping company records) may uncover candidates.

Site Documentation & Imaging

The wreck site is recorded in the Indiana DNR Lake Michigan shipwreck inventory. The HMDB (Historic Marker Database) entry provides photographic / sketched documentation. Use of detailed photogrammetry or sonar mapping appears limited or unpublished.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Indiana DNR, *Shipwrecks – Indiana* inventory (includes Unknown No. 3)
• Historic Marker Database, “Shipwreck Archeology — Unknown 3 near Pines, Indiana”
• Local Indiana newspapers and archival collections (e.g. La Porte / Michigan City) for further research
• Chronicling America / state library historic newspapers

References

1. Indiana DNR, *Shipwrecks – Indiana* listing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. “Shipwreck Archeology — Unknown 3 near Pines, Indiana.” Historic Marker Database. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

NOAA Shipwreck Record Card

unknown-no-3-canaller-pines-indiana 1900-10-07 15:41:00