Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is known for the shipwrecks it protects—nearly 200, with about 100 yet to be found! So often, deep-water shipwrecks are the images we see because the preservation and detail are stunning. However, there is also an impressive selection of shallow shipwrecks that are great for exploring via kayak, paddleboard, or even swimming and snorkeling.
This blog is meant to be a helpful guide, with tips on getting to the wrecks and some images of the full wreck sites, including underwater photography. Download and print this paddle guide for an on-the go, keep in the car, etc tool. To learn more about the ship histories and wreck stories, visit www.ThunderBay.noaa.gov/shipwrecks. And of course, when you headed out on a shipwreck adventure, keep your eyes peeled for a mooring buoy marking the wreck with a line you can anchor your means of transportation too.
This blog highlights some of the close-to-shore wrecks, but there are many more to discover!
Sanctuary Shoreline Shipwrecks – North to South
Steamer Joseph S. Fay (1871 – 1905)
Depth: 18 feet
This shipwreck is located just off US 23 at the 40-Mile Point Lighthouse. You can park at the lighthouse and launch from the public beach.
Joseph S. Fay was a 215-foot bulk freighter built in Cleveland, Ohio. It wrecked when a fierce storm ran it aground. The shipwreck site includes parts of the engine, the propeller shaft and some of the boat’s final cargo of iron ore.
Bark American Union ( 1862 – 1894)
Depth: 4 – 10 feet
This wreck lies in the bay at Thompson’s Harbor State Park off of US 23. From the park’s boat launch, paddle northwest and then due west at the end of the peninsula. You will pass over deeper water and then reach a shallow reef and the main part of the wreck is on the western edge of the reef.
American Union was a 186-foot bark built in Cleveland, Ohio. It carried cargo on the upper lakes before a storm left it stranded. Today, large iron shrouds that once held the masts lie scattered at the stern of the wreck, and the centerboard trunk lies on its side near the bow.
Schooner L.M. Mason (1853 – 1861)
Depth: 18 feet
This wreck is a half mile southwest of the New Presque Isle Lighthouse in North Bay. You can enter from the lighthouse peninsula.
L.M. Mason was caught in a windy, blinding snowstorm and sought shelter in the bay, along with 13 other ships! When the storm passed, all the ships were able to free themselves except L.M. Mason. Over time, the waves pounded the ship and it broke apart. Explorers can still see a large section of the schooner’s port side and a wooden arch built into the hull to strengthen the vessel.
Sidewheel Steamer Albany (1846 – 1853)
Depth: 4 feet
This wreck is located in a bay south of Presque Isle Harbor. Use the trailhead behind the Presque Isle Cemetery to get to the northwestern edge of the bay, it is a little less than a mile walk. There is a small island in the middle of the bay and the wreck lies to the southeast shore of the island, about 300 yards offshore and 75 yards from the island’s southwestern edge.
Albany was constructed in Detroit as a passenger ship. November winds pushed the ship into the small bay where it was ran aground. The elements eventually broke apart the ship and today large sections of the vessel’s lower hull remain.
Schooner Portland (1863 – 1877)
Depth: 8 feet
This wreck is located just off the public beach at the Besser Natural Area. You can launch from the beach and head northeast. Portland is a short distance from the shore.
This two-masted schooner was built in Clayton, New York to carry bulk cargo. It was driven ashore by an October storm and broken into pieces. Today you can see the hull and starboard side with portions of the port side in the nearby lagoon (very unique!).
Barge W. P. Rend (1888 – 1917)
Depth: 17 feet
Just 1.5 miles north of the Thunder Bay River mouth is where you’ll find this popular wreck and stop on the Lady Michigan glass-bottom boat tours. You can launch at the Alpena City marina or the DNR river boat launch. Be ready for a bit of a paddle, but great views!
This wooden bulk freighter barge was loaded with crushed limestone when it sprung a leak and sank quickly. Today it is the length of a football field with its wooden sides reaching towards the lake’s surface and iron bands that reinforce the hull. Near the stern, a boiler is on its side with other machinery.
Schooner John F. Warner (1855 – 1890)
Depth: 9 feet
Launching from Alpena’s Thomson beach is the shortest way to this wreck. You will see the buoy from shore. Other buoys in the area include Shamrock, Bay City, and Harvey Bissel.
John F. Warner traveled the Great Lakes and many European ports. Its end came when the anchor chain parted due to heavy seas and it was driven ashore. The waves broke it apart over time.
Barge Loretta (1892 – 1896)
Depth: 7 feet
The best way to reach Loretta begins at the Black River boat launch. From there head northwest until you see the buoy. It is a longer paddle, nearly a half an hour, but varies per person.
This steam barge was awaiting repairs at Black River when a fire ignited under its boiler. A tug towed it to the lake to prevent more damage and that is where it eventually sank. Today explorers can see the propeller shaft and broken machinery, as well as some charred wood from the fire. To the south of Loretta is the Ishpeming, another great wreck for a paddle/snorkel trip.
