SHIPWRECK REPORT: RECORD 8198

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Name: Unknown
  • Type: Submerged wreck, dangerous to surface navigation
  • Feature Type: Wreck
  • Coordinates (NAD 27):
    • Latitude: 45° 59′ 42″ N
    • Longitude: 83° 53′ 54″ W
    • Decimal Coordinates (NAD 83): 45.995019, -83.898336
  • Location: Entrance to DeTour Harbor, Lake Huron
  • Depth: 0.2 feet (least depth recorded)

DESCRIPTION OF WRECK

Type: Submerged wreck, likely partially buried or extremely deteriorated, lying just below the waterline.

Condition:

  • Classified as dangerous to surface navigation due to its proximity to the water’s surface.
  • Minimal information on the wreck’s structure, type, or historical background.

HISTORY

Discovery and Hydrographic Survey:

  • Survey H10313/89 identified a dangerous submerged wreck in 1989 at the entrance to DeTour Harbor, Lake Huron.
  • The hydrographer noted a least depth of 0.2 feet but did not provide detailed positional or depth information at the time.
  • Based on survey annotations, it was recommended that the wreck be charted as “Dangerous Submerged Wreck (PA)” (Position Approximate).

Historical Context:

  • The lack of documentation or a reported sinking year suggests the wreck may have been lost without formal records or was deliberately Abandoned.
  • Its dangerous classification highlights its potential to damage vessels navigating into DeTour Harbor.

Marine Safety Manual (MSM):

Entered into records in November 1991 for inclusion on nautical charts as a hazard to navigation.

CURRENT STATUS

Charting: Marked as a dangerous submerged wreck on navigation charts for DeTour Harbor, Lake Huron.

Access:

  • Not recommended for diving due to the shallow depth and risk to navigation.
  • High caution advised for mariners in the vicinity.

NAVIGATION CONSIDERATIONS

Hazard Description:

  • Extremely shallow wreckage with minimal clearance from the surface (0.2 feet depth).
  • Location poses a significant risk to vessels entering DeTour Harbor, particularly smaller crafts or those operating in low water conditions.

Recommendations:

  • Avoid the area marked as the wreck’s location unless necessary.
  • Mariners should consult up-to-date nautical charts and Notices to Mariners for hazard details.

NEAREST CITY

DeTour Village, Michigan, located on the eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, near the entrance to DeTour Passage.

SIGNIFICANCE

This wreck underscores the dangers posed by unmarked and shallow wreckage in high-traffic areas like harbor entrances. While its origin remains unknown, its hazardous nature makes it a critical feature for charting and navigation safety.

REFERENCES

  • Hydrographic Survey H10313/89
  • Marine Safety Manual (MSM), entered November 1991
  • NOAA Nautical Charts

CONCLUSION

The dangerous submerged wreck at DeTour Harbor represents a significant hazard for vessels navigating Lake Huron. Despite its unknown origins, the wreck’s proximity to the waterline necessitates caution and adherence to navigation guidelines in the area.

KEYWORDS

#DeTourHarbor #LakeHuron #Shipwreck #SubmergedWreck #MaritimeSafety #Navigation