A diver contemplates the practical bow of the Lucinda Van Valkenburg (1862–1887), a wooden schooner struck by the iron propeller Lehigh in May 1887. As a typical Great Lakes canal schooner, the Van Valkenburg’s bow was less sharp than ocean-going vessels whose design valued speed over cargo space. The centerboard trunk is just visible in the background—another construction feature adapted by Great Lakes shipwrights. The Van Valkenburg lies at a relatively shallow 60 feet; its masts stood out of the water when it first wrecked.
Photo: NOAA, Thunder Bay NMS.
The sheer size of the “fast-steel flyer” Norman(1890–1895) is evident in this striking photomosaic created by sanctuary archaeologists. The steel bulk freighter, with a net tonnage of 1,870, hauled thousands of tons of material in its short, five-year career. With the hull broken just forward of the boiler house and the ship listing hard to port, the wreck of the Norman, which claimed the lives of three sailors, is an intense dive experience.
Photo: NOAA, Thunder Bay NMS.
One of the ways sanctuary researchers work to preserve historic shipwrecks is through creating stunning photomosaics, like this one of the schooner Defiance (1848–1854). Future generations of recreational divers, explorers, and archaeologists are depending on us to leave historic shipwrecks intact. Enjoy diving the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay, but always respect the past. Removing or disturbing artifacts is illegal.
Photo: NOAA, Thunder Bay NMS.
A diver practice good buoyancy as they hover over the bow of the schooner E.B. Allen (1864–1871). With its heavy-duty windlass still on deck and anchor chains and rudder still in place, the Allen presents a vivid image of a typical nineteenth-century Great Lakes schooner.
Photo: NOAA, Thunder Bay NMS
No comments:
Post a Comment