Project Summary for 2005–04–02: Innovative mapping and photomosaic techniques of the shipwrecks, Target 7 and Pewabic.
Established in 2000, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve (TBNMSUP) maintains stewardship over one of the nation’s most historically significant collection of shipwrecks. Located in the northeast corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula, the 448 square mile Sanctuary contains 40 known historic shipwrecks. Archival research indicates that over 200 sites await discovery in and around the Sanctuary. Well preserved by Lake Huron’s cold, fresh water, the shipwrecks of the Thunder Bay area are virtual time capsules, providing a tangible link to our maritime past. Ongoing discovery and documentation of Sanctuary resources is critical for archaeological assessment, sound management, and innovative outreach. The project for which this dive plan was created addresses a substantial need for documentation of shipwrecks in greater than 130 feet of water.
From August 8 to 24, 2005, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary conducted fieldwork aimed at documenting deepwater shipwrecks within the sanctuary. The research team consisted of personnel from TBNMS, NOAA Maritime Heritage Program, East Carolina University, University of Michigan, the National Undersea Research Center at UNC–Wilmington, and the University of Connecticut. The work was funded by NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration.
This season’s project focused primarily on two sites: an unidentified two–masted schooner located by Dr. Robert Ballard’s Institute for Exploration in 2001; and the wooden passenger steamer Pewabic, which sank in 1865. Both wrecks rest in 160 feet of water. Using mixed gas diving techniques the team created detailed, high resolution photomosaics of both sites. Complimentary hard–point measurements and thorough video documentation accompany each photomosaic. During a work up dive on the schooner E B Allen (100 foot depth), the team created a profile mosaic of the 136 foot vessel.
The team also created a mosaic of the three–masted schooner Cornelia B. Windiate, while participating in the filming of a “Deep Sea Detectives” episode for the History Channel. The Windiate is one of the Great Lakes’ most intact shipwrecks and rests in 185 feet of water just outside the sanctuary’s northern boundary. Finally, the team made a reconnaissance dive on the schooner Defiance, also located in 185 feet of water just outside the sanctuary’s northern boundary. Built in 1848, the two–masted Defiance is an extremely well–preserved example of mid–nineteenth century schooner construction. The video and still photography obtained during the dive will help define next year’s research plan.
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