Wreck Report: Unknown 18-Foot Boat (Reference Number 0696)

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Terms: Unknown (specific identification or name is not available)
  • Feature Type: Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Initial Report: 42°20’13” N, 83°00’48” W
    • Adjusted Position: 42°20’12.5” N, 83°00’46.2” W
    • GP Quality: Low (accuracy of the coordinates is not highly precise)
    • Depth: 14 feet (approximately 4.3 meters)
    • Sounding Type: Not specified
  • Year Sunk: Not provided
  • Location: Detroit River, abeam of the Great Lakes Beverage facility

Vessel Type Description

The wreck is identified as an 18-foot boat. This size and type suggest a small utility or recreational vessel, likely used for local navigation or leisure activities on the Detroit River.

History

The vessel sank in the Detroit River, a heavily trafficked waterway in southeastern Michigan, United States. Key historical details include:

  • Source of Information: Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 19/1984).
  • Reported Location: Initially recorded at 42°20’13” N, 83°00’48” W.
  • Adjusted Location: To better match the LNM description, the wreck’s symbol was moved to 42°20’12.5” N, 83°00’46.2” W.
  • Water Depth: Approximately 14 feet at the site.
  • Database Entry: The wreck was officially recorded in the database in July 2000 (MCR entry).

Navigation Advisory

Due to its categorization as “submerged, dangerous to surface navigation,” the wreck poses a potential hazard to vessels in the area. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near the identified coordinates to avoid collisions or damage.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The small size of the vessel and its shallow depth make it easily accessible for divers or survey equipment. However, the low GP quality suggests that its precise location may require additional verification using sonar or other detection methods.

Recommendations

  • Survey: Conduct a sonar or visual survey to verify the wreck’s current position and state.
  • Marking: Install a buoy or marker at the site to warn mariners of the hazard.
  • Historical Research: Further investigation into local records might uncover the origin and purpose of the vessel.

Keywords: Detroit River, Submerged Wreck, Hazard to Navigation, Recreational Boat, Great Lakes Maritime History

Glossary Terms: Local Notice to Mariners (LNM), Abeam, Navigation Hazard, Sonar Survey