Car Ferry Straits of Mackinac
Lake Name: Lake Michigan
Shipwreck Name: Straits of Mackinac
Vessel Type: Steel Carferry
Location: Kenosha, WI
Vessel Build Info: unknown
Shipwreck Specs: 200ft
Official Number: none
Names Other: none
Sinking Detail: Intentionally sank as a dive site at a depth of 73 feet in an upright position. The wreck is intact and penetration by trained and experienced divers is possible.
Loss Date: 4/10/2003
Loss Place: of off Chicago
Loss Life: none
Loss Reason: Intentionally Sunk
Vessel Cargo: none
Shipwreck Description
The historic Great Lakes steamship STRAITS OF MACKINAC arrived in Chicago Tuesday June 25th, from Kewaunee Wisconsin. Slated to be sunk at a location Northeast of Navy Pier as an artificial reef and recreational site for scuba divers. The purpose of sinking the 200 long coal-fired car ferry is to increase recreational tourism to Chicago and also by providing an attractive habitat for perch, bass and other native species. The ship will enhance Chicago’s sport fishing industry and add a new, intact shipwreck that will make the Straits of Mackinac the first substantial wreck in Chicago waters since 1929. Through promotional, research and interpretive programs, the ship will serve as a scientific, cultural and recreational resource.
Dive Type: Recreational
Depth Deck(ft): 50 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 73 ft
Depth Deck(m): 15 m
Depth Bottom(m): 22 m