Early Summer 2007 Shipwreck Documentation

Date: Late May-Late June, 2007
Entry by: Joe Hoyt, Maritime Archaeologist, East Carolina University

Though tempestuous seas and several vessel-oriented tribulations attempted to thwart our procurement of archaeological knowledge, we soldiered on. From the middle of May through the middle of June, archaeologists and students from NOAA, Yale University, University of West Florida, East Carolina University, University of Georgia and the PAST Foundation conducted fieldwork on several shipwreck sites in and around the Sanctuary. Traditional underwater archaeology techniques consisting of measuring tapes and underwater paper were employed to investigate the wrecks and generate a scaled representation of each site's disposition.

Each of the shipwrecks chosen is in shallow water and easily accessible by divers and in some cases snorkelers and even beachgoers. The Oscar T. Flint, a popular dive site in the Sanctuary, was the first target. The Flint is a traditional Great Lakes Bulk Carrier that operated from 1889 until she burned and sank while carrying a load of limestone in 30 feet of water at Thunder Bay in 1896. Since the Flint burned, there is not much left except the outline of the hull, overflowing with limestone. The bow and stern have some scattered remains of machinery and artifacts.

The next site chosen was that of the Stevens, an absolutely gorgeous wreck site lying in only about 10 feet of water. Most of the vessel is still there, though the sides have collapsed outward. Over several days, divers took measurements to capture the beauty of this old sailing vessel.

Another site in a similar depth was that of the Warner. This site is actually something of a mystery and may not actually be the Warner. Most of the remaining structure of this site is obscured by sediment. A large longitudinal keelson structure is sticking out of the mud surrounded by a few frame ends. Despite the simplicity of this site, it would make an excellent kayaking trip as it is very close to the shore near the Alpena Marina as well as other nearby buoyed wreck sites such as the Shamrock.

The Lucinda Van Valkenburg was the last site investigated inside the sanctuary. The Valkenburg was a centerboard schooner that sank in 70 feet of water after a collision in 1887. The remains are quite dramatic. Most of the hull structure is still intact, but the decks are completely gone. Collision damage has left a large gap in the port bow and a massive centerboard trunk stands intact down the centerline of the vessel. This site was used as a training ground for some advanced photographic techniques and also received the traditional documentation used at the other wreck sites investigated.

The Joseph S. Fay, another wreck site north of the sanctuary and located at 40 Mile Poin in Rogers City, was the subject of a field school conducted by the PAST Foundation (see PAST Foundation entry). A group of high school students were brought in to map a large section of the hull, which lies on the beach adjacent to the rest of the underwater wreckage. While this shore section was being mapped, divers also surveyed the submerged remains.

One of the main purposes of this fieldwork is to eventually generate interpretive materials that will hopefully enhance the experience and understanding of those who choose to enjoy these resources. These sites represent a diverse group of vessel types that were once very familiar on the shores of the Lakes. The field work that has been conducted over the last few weeks covers areas that will allow these resources to be enjoyed by anyone who has an interest in these vessels, both divers and non-divers alike.

Archaeologist Wayne Lusardi documenting the wreck of the Van Valkenburg

Students from the PAST Foundation investigate the beach portion of the Joseph Fay

Wayne Lusardi Documenting the Oscar T. Flint