MYSTERY Barge (Unidentified, Lake Huron)

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Mystery Barge
  • Type: Likely former small Steamer or Schooner, now Barge
  • Dimensions: ~64 ft (19.5 m) length × 14 ft (4.3 m) beam
  • Depth: ~50 ft (17 m)
  • Location: North of Burnt Island, Lake Huron — 46°06.983′ N, 83°49.450′ W
  • Position: Upright on the lakebed

Vessel Type Description

This well‑preserved Hull remains mostly intact. The presence of a steam winch on the afterdeck, but no onboard boiler, and a rigid hose implies that the winch was powered from shore or another vessel. Coal remains in the forward hold. The towing gear—a chain wrapped around the stem—suggests functionality as a rugged cargo Barge (Drummond Island Tourism Association).

History

No official records identify this vessel. It appears to have been converted from a Steamer or small Schooner into a Barge. Partial outer planking damage likely caused its sinking (Drummond Island Tourism Association). The intact structural remains and cargo suggest a sudden loss during regular towing operations.

Final Disposition

The Barge rests upright at 50 ft depth. Its intact condition and remaining artifacts like coal, winch, and tow chain make it a captivating dive site. Sadly, a readable nameplate is missing, leaving its identity a mystery (Drummond Island Tourism Association).

Located By & Date

Known informally to local divers and referenced by the Drummond Island Tourism Association; specifics of discovery remain undocumented (Drummond Island Tourism Association).

NOTMARs & Advisories

No official Notices to Mariners apply. Divers should proceed cautiously, aware of structural integrity and scouring around the wreck.

Dive & Accessibility

  • Depth: 50 ft (17 m) — accessible for recreational divers
  • Entry: Boat access recommended; shore access from nearest island
  • Conditions: Variable Visibility; minimal current in this location
  • Points of Interest:
    • Steam winch with operational fittings
    • Coal-filled hold
    • Tow chain mechanism at stem
  • Skill Level: Intermediate — standard wreck diving precautions apply

Significance

The Mystery Barge offers a uniquely preserved underwater snapshot of 19th-century cargo operations on Lake Huron. Its intact Hull, onboard machinery, and cargo enable archaeological interest, while its anonymity invites further research.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

An exceptional dive site steeped in intrigue, the Mystery Barge invites explorers to piece together its story. Its remarkable preservation offers a rare window into early steam-era Barge operations. Identification efforts continue—divers and historians may yet uncover its name and origin.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Tags: Mystery Barge, Lake Huron, coal Barge, steam winch, unidentified wreck, Burnt Island dive
Categories: Unidentified Wrecks, Recreational Dive Sites, Industrial Vessel Remains
Glossary: Steam winch, tow chain stem, coal cargo, lakebed scouring