A Diver’s Guide to 2006—2007 Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, Inc. A private, non-profit organization St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce 560 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Copies available: 1-800-970-8717 www.michiganpreserves.org Published by J.R. Underhill Communications 3635 Thornhill Kalamazoo, MI 49004 www.jrunderhill.com Information contained in this guide should not be construed as an endorsement by the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council and J.R. Underhill Communications, and those assisting on this booklet are not responsible for errors or omissions. Front cover photo/illustration: Painting of the Osborn in Whitefish Bay, courtesy of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and Michigan Department of Transportation: Artist, Ken Marschall. Photo of Jan Underhill with the stump of the Osborn’s forward mast by Robert Underhill. ©2006 Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, Inc. All rights reserved. Dedicated to those who appreciate, preserve, protect, and respect the incredible and unique shipwrecks of the Great Lakes We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the follow individuals and companies that have assisted in making this booklet possible. J.R. Underhill Communications Bob & Jan Underhill, www.greatlakesunderwater.com Peggy S. Kurpinski, Adventures In Diving, Inc. Greg MacMaster, GTBUP Mark Kistner Janet Peterson, St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce Deep Sea Detectives/Dive Portal Tom Farnquist, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in association with Artist Ken Marschall ...and all those businesses that have purchased advertising, making it possible to publish and distribute this booklet. Table of Contents Michigan’s Underwater Preserve System . 4 Boat Diving Etiquette . 6 Michigan Underwater Preserve Council . 7 New Proposed Preserves . 8 Alger Underwater Preserve . 12 DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve . 16 Keweenaw Underwater Preserve . 18 Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve . 20 Marquette Underwater Preserve . 24 Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve . 27 Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve . 31 Straits Underwater Preserve . 35 Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve . 39 Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve . 42 Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve . 46 Calendar of Events . 52 A note about the charts included in each Preserve chapter: 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. Michigan’s Underwater Preserve System ichigan’s eleven underwater preserves include nearly 2,300 square miles Mof Great Lakes bottomland, an area nearly twice the size of the state of Delaware. The underwater preserves protect some of the region’s most sensitive underwater resources. The vast expanse of the five Great Lakes provided a natural transportation system into the interior of the United States as our nation expanded West. One hundred years ago, the inland waterway of these Great Lakes provided the most dangerous shipping waters in the world. Sudden storms, fog, heavy traffic and steamship companies demanding captains to stay on schedule no matter what the weather, resulted in the destruction of thousands of schooners, steamers and barges. The Great Lakes bottomland is littered with these time capsules from the time when our nation began to emerge into the world power it is today. These shipwrecks, artifacts, and natural features attract skin and scuba divers from across the United States. They come to explore and observe how the cold, fresh water of the Great Lakes preserves history. The Michigan Underwater Preserve system was created in 1980 through legislation supported and largely drafted by Michigan sport divers. Since then, divers have ensured that their sport will remain a high-quality activity with stiff penalties for disturbing the shipwrecks and their artifacts. It is a felony to remove or disturb artifacts in the Great Lakes. Those caught removing portholes, anchors, anchor chain, deadeyes, blocks, or other “souvenirs” will have their boat, car, and equipment confiscated immediately and will face up to two years imprisonment and stiff fines. Divers who have information about the theft of artifacts can report violations to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by calling (800) 292-7800. As a result of these laws, and SCUBA divers conscientious efforts, wreck diving in the Great Lakes is some of the best in the world. Many sport divers unfamiliar with Great Lakes Shipwrecks are surprised to find such well-preserved shipwrecks. Small items, such as ceramic cups, silverware, tools, machinery ornaments, and other artifacts remain where they were discovered by the first divers many years before. Well-stocked dive shops, knowledgeable sales staff, experienced instruction, and friendly service are the standard in Michigan. Most dive shops, whether they are located near underwater preserves or not, can provide expert advice on preserves and diving in the state. Regardless of origin, divers and their families will feel welcome in Michigan. Dive charter operators can be found in all the underwater preserves. If divers bring their own boats, they will find convenient boat launches, marinas, and other 4 Isle Royale National Park Keweenaw Marquette Whitefish Point Alger Detour Passage Straits of Mackinac Manitou Thunder Passage Bay Thumb Michigan Area Bottomland Preserves Sanilac Maps created by J.R. Underhill Shores Graphics reference: Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State Southwest Michigan facilities. Most of the popular dive sites are buoyed in the summer by members and volunteers of the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, Inc., a private, non- profit organization dedicated to development of the preserves. Many preserves also offer exceptional shore-access diving. A word of caution is in order whenever venturing out on the Great Lakes. These massive bodies of water are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Storms and heavy seas can arise suddenly and with little warning. Do not head out onto the Great Lakes unless you have proper safety equipment, an appropriate vessel, and experience. Never leave your dive boat unattended. If trouble arises, the U.S. Coast Guard monitors vhf channel 16 and search and rescue service is available. But it is best to avoid such situations. Be prepared for cool water temperatures. Although surface water temperatures may reach 65 degrees or more in midsummer, temperatures below 40 feet may be substantially less. Most Great Lakes divers use full wetsuits, or dry suits. Diving in the Great Lakes may be colder, but it’s well worth the extra effort, to see such pristine wrecks. 5 After diving in any of Michigan’s underwater preserves, you may find yourself wanting to try them all! Each offers a unique experience, both underwater and on land. Visitors will find communities near underwater preserves friendly and accommodating. Lodging is convenient and comfortable. Restaurants offer a variety of tasty cuisine. Campgrounds are nestled in scenic surroundings, and there are many attractions for the entire family. So, come back again and tell your friends and family. Michigan is good to sport divers and great to their families seeking a fun vacation sure to create fond memories for many years. Although each underwater preserve offers a variety of diving attractions, it is possible to describe only some of the most popular dive sites in this booklet. Please contact the sources in each section to obtain more information about diving in that underwater preserve. Boat Diving Etiquette in Michigan Underwater Preserves • Monitor channel 16 at all times and switch to an appropriate channel when communicating with other vessels. • Keep someone on board that is capable of operating the marine radio and the boat in case of emergency or breaking loose from the mooring. • Cooperate with other vessels when using the moorings. If the weather is appropiate for sharing the mooring, communicate with each other and place the heaviest boat in front to safeguard the smaller vessel. • Communicate arrival with other vessels on the site. • Post a lookout, particularly when approaching and departing from the wreck, and keep an awareness of other vessel traffic in the area. • Moor by the bow of the boat to prevent damage to the shipwreck. Safe Diving Suggestions • Prepare an emergency diving plan for each preserve you dive. • Have proper training and be prepared to administer O2 in emergencies • Monitor channel 16 and use the proper channels for communication. • Be a knowledgeable boater, know and abide by the “Rules of the Road” • Maintain your safety equipment, such as life jackets, ring buoys, and extinguishers. Be knowledgeable in the correct usage of this equipment. • Know “First Aid” • “Take only pictures and leave only bubbles” • Report all plundering to: Department of Natural Resources 1-800-292-7800 6 The Michigan Underwater Preserve Council, Inc. The Michigan Underwater Preserve Council (MUPC) was formed in an effort to preserve, protect the Great Lakes shipwrecks and to educate divers and non-divers on their history and aid in their preservation. MUPC is a private, non-profit, volunteer driven organization. We promote diving and conservation of the shipwrecks in the 11 underwater preserves and Great Lakes. These shipwrecks have been under water for many years, and are often found in good condition, even after being submerged for 100+ years. There are various factors which keep these shipwrecks in the wonderful condition they are in, some natural factors, some manmade. Great care is used in the placement of the buoy, buoy chain and ropes, the amount of scope in lines used and as well as other considerations in preserving and protecting the wrecks. One of our many goals for the future involves placing mooring bases on many of the wrecks in the preserves.