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Nordmeer
Sunk 1966
A rare experience, approaching a shipwreck that extends above the Lake Huron surface!
Photo by Robert Underhill
www.greatlakesunderwater.com |
Lake Huron’s mercurial weather—its murky fog banks and sudden gales—coupled with rocky shoals helped Thunder Bay earn the unfortunate name of “Shipwreck Alley.” During the Great Lakes’ shipping history, scores of vessels ended their careers on the lake floor off Alpena. Many of the wrecks remain undiscovered.
On October 7, 2000 in Alpena, Michigan Governor John Engler and Elgie Holstein, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, hosted the official designation ceremony for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. The designation by NOAA creates the first Great Lakes national marine sanctuary and builds on the existing state underwater preserve designated in 1981. It is only the second national marie sanctuary created solely to protect underwater cultural resources. NOAA and the State of Michigan will jointly manage the sanctuary and underwater preserve.
The new 448-square mile sanctuary and underwater preserve protects over 100 historically significant shipwrecks, 30 of which are known. The remaining wrecks are probable and suspected. The sanctuary and preserve offers divers many shipwrecks in a protected bay as well as many fascinating sites just beyond the bay itself. The Thunder Bay shipwrecks include a wide range of structures that chronicle U.S. twentieth century steel-hulled steamers.
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve will implement a five-year management plan that focuses on cultural resource protection, education, research and recreation. Specific activities are likely to include conducting an archaeological survey of Thunder Bay wrecks, installing a mooring buoy system, establishing underwater video links from the wrecks to classrooms, and examining the potential for a maritime heritage center.
The Nordmeer is one of the most popular dive sites of the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve. It has been described as 550 feet of “pure delight.” This German steel steamer stranded on the rocks of Thunder Bay Shoal in November 1966. Because the maximum depth at this site is only 40 feet and parts of the vessel remain above water, this is a great place for those who have little or no shipwreck diving experience.
The hull of the Nordmeer is intact and large cargo hatches provide easy access and permit sunlight to penetrate the interior. Next to the wreck of the Nordmeer is a steel barge that also provides exploration opportunities.
The Montana was a 235 foot steamer that burned and sank in 1914. The wreck lies in 70 feet of water and rises 30 feet from the bottom.
Some of the hull of the Montana remains and divers enjoy inspecting many of the artifacts that are associated with this wreck, including the machinery. This site usually hosts many fish and it is a good place for underwater photography.
Divers with basic skills can view the double steeple compound steam engine at 40 feet. Intermediate divers will enjoy exploring other portions of the wreck.
East of the Montana lies the wreck of the Grecian, a steamer that sank in 1906. Several salvage attempts failed, leaving the wreckage, and the steam engine and boiler offer divers a fascinating experience. The deck of the Grecian lies in 75 feet of water.
The Preserve offers many shallow shipwrecks perfect for those new to Great Lakes shipwrecks diving. Many dive sites have been buoyed. Dive charter services are available. Shore diving is very limited because most of the shoreline is privately owned.
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.
