Shallow and Near-Shore Sites

Albemarle

Depth: 12′ —  The remains of this schooner include the keel and ribs on the bottom, as well as the centerboard box, which is surrounded by a pile of iron ore.    Learn more…

Henry Clay

Depth: 10′  — This brig was left high up on the shallow sands of Point Nipigon in the late fall of 1850, and was recorded by cartographers making the first navigational charts of the area.  It is largely broken up and buried in the sands, but different portions are visible each year.  Learn more…

Genesee Chief

Depth: 10′ — The remains of this schooner-barge were abandoned in Duncan Bay in 1897, after rotting at a dock on the Cheboygan River since 1891.  Her mast steps are visible on the remains of the keel, but no evidence of a centerboard is visible.  Learn more…

Leviathan

Depth: 12′  — This twin-screw wrecking tug was based in the Straits area from 1858 onward, and recovered a number of stranded and sunken vessels.  She burned at her Cheboygan dock in 1891 and sank to the bottom.  She was raised, stripped of her gear, and abandoned in Duncan Bay.  Her heavy bottom timbers remain to show what a sturdy vessel she was.  Learn more…

Chuck’s Barge

Depth: 30′ – 50′ — A small wooden dump barge, lying inverted on the bottom just east of St.Helena Island.  This wreck was found by Chuck & Jeri Feltner as they were searching for evidence of other reported wrecks in the vicinity of the island.  There isn’t a lot to see, bu the shallow depth (30-ft to the top of the hull) and clear water make this a good site for beginning divers to work on skills.  The C.H. Johnson makes a nice follow-up dive.    Learn more…

C.H. Johnson

Depth: 10′ – 25′ — This site features a large number of sandstone blocks, which can be viewed from the surface, along with bottom timbers and several sections of decking.  The nearby shoreline is private property and shore entry (with land-owners permission) is possible but difficult as you have to negotiate a shallow rocky area, so a boat is the preferred approach.     Learn more…

Myrtie Ross

Depth: 10′ —   This small steamship was abandoned at a lumber dock when it failed hull and boiler inspections.  The keel and various timbers remain visible, near the dock ruins.   Learn more…

L.B. Coates

Depth: 8′ —  This 3-mast schooner was abandoned at a dock near the Myrtie Ross, with only a section of keel remaining.   Learn more…