Lake Name: Lake Huron
Shipwreck Name: William Young
Vessel Type: Schooner Barge
Location: Straits of Mackinac, MI
Vessel Build Info: 1883, D. Lester, Marine City, MI
Shipwreck Specs: 165x30x11, 435g 413n
Official Number: U26230?
Names Other:
Sinking Detail
She was in tow of the steamer Nashua when she foundered between the Mackinac bridge and the Mackinaw Island. The crew was saved.
Loss Date: 10/5/1891
Loss Place: Next to Straits of Mackinac bridge
Loss Life: none
Loss Reason: Foundered
Vessel Cargo: 600 tons of coal
Shipwreck Description
The wreck is upright and intact in 120 feet of water, in the shipping lane, about a mile east of the bridge. Divers have experienced current on the surface and bottom. Evidently all lower cabins were removed to provide more cargo capacity, probably during conversion to a tow barge. The aft two thirds of the hull is filled with coal to within a couple of feet below the main deck. Forward the bow is split open with coal, anchors and anchor chain spilled into the sand. It is possible to swim through the open bow area and aft to the forward hatch. As stated above, the rest of the wreck is filled with coal. A mast lies along the starboard side, on the bottom. Some deadeyes can be found along the rail. The wheel is still in place next to the rudderpost on the rear deck. These sites, and many other wrecks in this area, are served by us and other dive charter services in St. Ignace.
Dive Type: Recreational
Depth Deck(ft): 108 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 120 ft
Depth Deck(m): 33 m
Depth Bottom(m): 37 m