Identification & Site Information:

  • Name, Former Names: SMITH MARE
  • Registration Numbers: Not specified in provided references
  • Date Built and Launched: Not mentioned, though the wreck information is primarily dated around its sinking.
  • Measurements: Length – 275 ft (83.82 m)
  • Date Lost: 1889
  • Vessel Type:
    • The SMITH MARE was a wooden Schooner, a type of vessel commonly used in the 19th century for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes.

Description:

The SMITH MARE was a large wooden Schooner, measuring 275 feet (83.82 meters) in length, which sank in 1889 in Lake Superior. Historical accounts describe the Schooner as part of a vibrant shipping industry on the Great Lakes during a period of economic expansion and increasing maritime traffic.

The vessel now lies at a depth of approximately 82 feet (25 meters), though earlier surveys varied, recording depths between 67 and 82 feet. The shifting depths reported over time highlight the challenges of exact underwater measurements, likely impacted by variations in survey methods and datum adjustments.

History:

The SMITH MARE was an integral part of the Great Lakes shipping network in the late 1800s, facilitating the movement of goods across the region’s vast waterways. The Schooner sank in 1889 under circumstances not detailed in the records provided, but its remains continue to represent a significant chapter in Lake Superior’s maritime heritage. This wreck underscores the hazards faced by vessels navigating these waters, from unpredictable weather to hidden shoals.

Final Disposition:

The SMITH MARE lies submerged, posing a danger to navigation due to its position near the surface. This risk led to its private buoying for safety. The wreck’s preservation under water highlights the importance of responsible navigation and maritime heritage.

Located By & Date Found:

The wreck was initially charted with varying GPS adjustments:

  • 1993: Echosounder recorded a depth of 69 feet.
  • 1994: Position revised using DGPS technology: Latitude 46-27-25.24N, Longitude 86-36-53.27W (NAD83).

NOTMARs & Advisories:

Marked for navigation safety with a buoy, its coordinates (LAT 46.457011, LON -86.614797) serve as critical data for sailors. The wreck’s hazardous potential to surface navigation remains a primary concern for mariners.

Resources & Links:

For further exploration:

Keywords: Great Lakes Maritime History Lake Superior Shipwrecks SMITH MARE Wooden Schooners Navigation Hazards Buoyed Wrecks