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William Young
Sunk 1891
The anchor chain is still attached to the windlass on the deck above the diver.
Photo by Robert Underhill
www.greatlakesunderwater.com |
The 148 square miles of the Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserve is located at the northern tip of two of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The five-mile long Mackinac Bridge, which links Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, marks the boundary between these two lakes, splitting the preserve in half.
The Straits have always had a reputation as a dangerous area for ships. Storms originating in the lower Lakes can funnel through the Straits, magnifying wind and waves. Over the years a number of ships foundered, or were driven ashore.
One of the more popular shipwrecks in Lake Huron, the William H. Barnum, foundered during an early season storm as it was running up the lake from Chicago with a load of grain during the first trip of the season in 1894. The wreck now lies in about 70 feet of water.
Another popular dive site in this preserve is the wreck of the Sandusky. This 110-foot sailing vessel had two masts and a square stern. It sank in a gale in September 1856 and is remarkably preserved. It sits upright in 90 feet of water and is among the few shipwrecks in the Great Lakes to sport a figurehead. Divers will find a kedge anchor, pin rail, wheel and tiller.
A more recent shipwreck in the preserve is the Cedarville, which was a 588 foot self-unloading freighter that sank with a load of limestone in 1965 after a collision. The Cedarville was heading west and approaching the Straits of Mackinac in a fog when it was struck by the Norwegian vessel Topdalsfijord. The Cedarville is in about 110 feet of water with the hull of the vessel within 35 feet of the surface. The ship’s superstructure and cabins lie at 75 feet almost upside down. The ship has many opportunities for penetration, but can silt to zero visibility inside. Caution for all divers going inside is recommended.
Another site is the C.H. Johnson, which can be reached from shore off Gros Cap Road west of St. Ignace. The C.H. Johnson was a schooner that ran aground in a storm in 1895. It was carrying large sandstone blocks, which are found on the wreck site. Divers enjoy this site because it is protected from most storms and many small artifacts, such as tools, can be found. Large fish generally hide between and under large stone blocks. The C.H. Johnson is in 10 to 15 feet of water and makes an interesting dive for divers of all skill levels.
The latest wreck to be discovered in the Straits of Mackinac is the schooner William Young. The Young was accidentally found by Michigan State Police search and rescue divers during a missing person search on the East side of the Mackinac bridge in August of 2002.
The wreck is upright and intact in 120 feet of water, in the shipping lane, about a mile east of the bridge. Divers have experienced current on the surface and bottom. Evidently all lower cabins were removed to provide more cargo capacity, probably during conversion to a tow barge. The aft two thirds of the hull is filled with coal to within a couple of feet below the main deck. Forward the bow is split open with coal, anchors and anchor chain spilled into the sand. It is possible to swim through the open bow area and aft to the forward hatch. As stated above, the rest of the wreck is filled with coal. A mast lies along the starboard side, on the bottom. Some deadeyes can be found along the rail. The wheel is still in place next to the rudderpost on the rear deck. These sites, and many other wrecks in this area, are served by dive charter services in St. Ignace.
Recently, a team of divers discovered an unusual rock formation just a few hundred yards east of Mackinac Island The formation resembles an underwater maze and is called the “Rock Maze”. It offers excellent photography opportunities as well as a chance to see large schools of fish and protection from westerly winds. This site is buoyed but boaters should be cautious about entering the area because of rock formations nearby.
The St. Ignace Harbor served the third oldest city in the U.S. As a result, artifacts from man’s earliest activities, even before European occupation, may be found in this area. One harbor dive site is found at the northernmost point of the bay at the end of Hazelton Street. Divers can enter here and swim toward the end of the old mill slip to find discarded tools, machinery, household items, and wreckage from an unknown vessel.
Another shore-access dive site is located near the south end of the St. Ignace Harbor off State Street. This site is found at a city park and is marked with an interpretive sign. Divers can explore dock ruins and discover anchors, pottery, tools, machinery, and many other items discarded from vessels loading at the nearby dock. Whenever diving in St. Ignace Harbor it is important to stay out of the ferry lanes and display a divers’ flag.
Visibility in this preserve ranges from 2 to 70 feet, depending upon currents that are sometimes found here. Generally, however, visibility is greater than 10 feet and divers are able to enjoy one of the finest shipwreck collections in the world comfortably. All major dive sites are buoyed.
Diving from the shore, it is possible to see personal items lost by passengers aboard turn-of-the-century ships that plied the waters of the Great Lakes. A new waterfront park offers shore access to an area containing anchors, dock ruins and many small artifacts.
The Straits of Mackinac is a wonderful vacation destination. St. Ignace, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island offer plenty of lodging, fine restaurants, charter services and air. In addition, the area offers a wide variety of shopping, many historical attractions and special events for the entire family to enjoy throughout the year.
A note about the charts included in each Preserve reference:
The coordinates are presumed to be accurate but we place no guarantee. Water depths may be off due to water level changes. Always evaluate weather conditions and divers abilities before diving any wreck. We are not recommending any of these dive destinations. We are only publishing information. Caution: Some wrecks may be out of the sport diving depth limit. Diving is a potentially dangerous activity. Use common sense and dive within your training and skill level.
