Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Superior
  • Type: Wooden fish Tug / Schooner-rigged utility vessel
  • Location: Marquette Underwater Preserve, Huron Islands Unit, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: 46° 32.500′ N, 87° 23.350′ W
  • Depth of Wreck: 6 m (20 ft)
  • Final Disposition: Wrecked and preserved in situ

Vessel Type

A small wooden fish Tug or utility Schooner typical of 19th- and early 20th-century Great Lakes operations, primarily used for coastal fishery support or light cargo transport.

Description

Constructed with a wooden Hull and likely Schooner-rigged, Superior was designed for durability and local versatility. Its shallow Draft and sturdy structure made it ideal for nearshore work in northern Lake Superior.

History

Precise construction and service history remain undetermined. The vessel reflects typical characteristics of regional fish tugs operating from Marquette and other Lake Superior ports.

Final Disposition

The vessel lies upright and largely intact in 6 m (20 ft) of clear water. Its preserved structure provides an excellent site for divers and researchers.

Located By & Date Found

Documented as part of the Marquette Underwater Preserve. Discovery attributed to recreational divers and site surveys prior to preserve designation.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None noted. Listed as part of a designated dive preserve.

Resources & Links

Shore Dive Information

  • Shore Access Location: Marquette, MI; Huron Islands Unit
  • Entry Type: Boat dive access only (offshore site)
  • Depth Range: 6 m (20 ft)
  • Current & Conditions: Minimal current; excellent Visibility; cold temperatures year-round
  • Points of Interest: Hull structure, Deck features, zebra mussel colonization
  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Safety & Emergency Info:
    • Nearest hyperbaric chamber: Marquette General Hospital
    • US Coast Guard Station Marquette: VHF Channel 16
    • Emergency: 911
  • Local Regulations: Within the Marquette Underwater Preserve; non-destructive diving only
  • Best Time to Dive: June through September
  • Driving Directions: Google Maps | Apple Maps

Conclusion

Superior is a well-preserved wreck representing local maritime work vessels. It offers a valuable educational and recreational dive in shallow, clear Lake Superior waters.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

Superior, fish Tug, Schooner, Lake Superior, Marquette Underwater Preserve, wooden vessel, shallow wreck, dive site