The Great Lakes and Underwater Preserves
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Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve
Some of the most exciting shipwreck diving in the Great Lakes is found in the 163 square mile Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve in Lake Huron. One of the most famous shipwrecks in the preserve is the Regina, a 250 foot steel package freighter that sank in the a fierce gale in 1913. The vessel was discovered in 1986.
The Regina rests upside down in 80 feet of water with the structure of the ship rising 25 feet from the bottom. Some cargo lies scattered adjacent to the wreck. Visibility at this site and throughout the preserve is variable and ranges from 10 to 40 feet.
Another popular dive site is the wreck of the Sport, a 57 foot steelhulled tugboat that sank in a gale in December 1920. The vessel lies mostly upright with a starboard list in about 50 feet of water and rises about 20 feet from the bottom. In 1992, Michigan’s first underwater historical marker was placed on the Sport to inform divers about the historical significance of the vessel.
The Checotah was a schooner that sank while being towed in 1906. Although the stern is broken and scattered, this wreck offers excellent diving with many unusual artifacts.
The New York was a steamer that foundered in heavy seas in 1876. The vessel is especially interesting because of its oscillating steam engines. The New York, like many shipwrecks in this preserve, has many interesting artifacts associated with it. The Checotah and New York sites should only be explored by advanced divers, according to local charter operators. These vessels lie within a few hundred yards of each other in about 120 feet of water.
The Mary Alice B. is the newest wreck found in the preserve and has become very popular. Advanced divers will have an easy dive, as this totally intact vessel sits upright in 94 feet of water.
Other popular dive sites include the North Star, Col. A. B. Williams, and Eliza H. Strong.
In addition to excellent shipwreck diving, the Sanilac Shores area offers family fun. Historic attractions, such as the Port Sanilac Lighthouse, Sanilac Petroglyphs, and Lexington’s Lake Huron Shipwreck Museum delight visitors of all ages.
The Regina rests upside down in 80 feet of water with the structure of the ship rising 25 feet from the bottom. Some cargo lies scattered adjacent to the wreck. Visibility at this site and throughout the preserve is variable and ranges from 10 to 40 feet.
Another popular dive site is the wreck of the Sport, a 57 foot steelhulled tugboat that sank in a gale in December 1920. The vessel lies mostly upright with a starboard list in about 50 feet of water and rises about 20 feet from the bottom. In 1992, Michigan’s first underwater historical marker was placed on the Sport to inform divers about the historical significance of the vessel.
The Checotah was a schooner that sank while being towed in 1906. Although the stern is broken and scattered, this wreck offers excellent diving with many unusual artifacts.
The New York was a steamer that foundered in heavy seas in 1876. The vessel is especially interesting because of its oscillating steam engines. The New York, like many shipwrecks in this preserve, has many interesting artifacts associated with it. The Checotah and New York sites should only be explored by advanced divers, according to local charter operators. These vessels lie within a few hundred yards of each other in about 120 feet of water.
The Mary Alice B. is the newest wreck found in the preserve and has become very popular. Advanced divers will have an easy dive, as this totally intact vessel sits upright in 94 feet of water.
Other popular dive sites include the North Star, Col. A. B. Williams, and Eliza H. Strong.
In addition to excellent shipwreck diving, the Sanilac Shores area offers family fun. Historic attractions, such as the Port Sanilac Lighthouse, Sanilac Petroglyphs, and Lexington’s Lake Huron Shipwreck Museum delight visitors of all ages.
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