Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

MUNSTER appears to have been a small propeller-driven dredging Barge or Tug, operated by Dunbar & Sullivan out of Buffalo, supporting dredging operations and material transport on the Great Lakes.

Description

While specific dimensions aren’t recorded, her classification suggests a shallow-Draft work vessel—built around 1909, she was likely robustly constructed for dredging support but not for high seas.

History

Operated by the prominent Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. (originally Buffalo-based in 1844), MUNSTER was active in lumber or material transport during winter dredging seasons. On 6 December 1936, she encountered a storm in Lake Huron waters off Harbor Beach (per database classification) and ultimately Foundered well offshore, breaking away from tow and sinking (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).

Final Disposition

She Foundered and sank far from shore, with no record of salvage. The vessel was declared a Total Loss, and any flotsam likely drifted toward Lake Huron shores over ensuing days.

Located By & Date Found

No wreck site has been located; no underwater survey or dive identified the wreck. The exact sinking location remains uncharted.

Notations & Advisories

  • No known navigational hazard markers or chart advisories related to the wreck.
  • Being a Foundered vessel in deep waters, it poses no navigational risks today.
  • As the sinking was offshore during winter, MUNSTER may rest in deep, cold Lake Huron waters, well below recreational diving depths.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

MUNSTER (1909–1936), a Dunbar & Sullivan dredging support vessel, sank on 6 December 1936 during a winter storm in Lake Huron after drifting away from tow. No casualties were reported, and the wreck remains unlocated—resting in deep offshore waters beyond typical diving or survey operations.

Suggested Next Steps

  • Search winter 1936 newspaper archives (Buffalo, Harbor Beach region) for official reports or witness statements.
  • Consult Dunbar & Sullivan company records (available via BGSU/dredgepoint archives) for voyage logs or incident details (dredgepoint.org).
  • Cross-reference any private or government sonar surveys post-1936 near Harbor Beach, MI, for possible unidentified wrecks.