Dive The Straits of Mackinac, Michigan Wrecks
Here are some of our favourite wrecks from last years trip! Learn more about scuba diving theses amazing wrecks by visting the Straits of Mackinac Shipwrecks Preserve.
Cedarville
Depth: 40′ – 112′ — This modern shipwreck is the result of controversial conduct by two ships. Carrying a cargo of limestone, the Cedarville was westbound when she ran into very heavy fog. The Cedarville continued moving relying on her radar and radio contact. The M.V. Topdalsfjord did not respond by radio resulting in confusion by the Cedarville officers. When the ships were near collision, the Cedarville attempted an emergency turn but was struck hard amidships on the port side. She rolled and sank during an attempt to beach the vessel, and lies nearly inverted on the bottom. Learn more…
Dolphin
Depth: 110′ — The 2-mast schooner Dolphin suffered a collision with the bark Badger State in July on 1869, sinking in 20 minutes without loss of life. This vessel was relocated by Ken Merryman in 2021, and his 3D imagery clearly shows the collision damage just as described by the survivors. This site features an intact cabin and wheel, masts strewn about the deck, and at least some of the hatch covers still in place protecting her cargo of coal. Please do not attempt to open the hatches or to force entry into the cabin – this is our most-intact site currently, and we’d like to keep it that way. Learn more…
Eber Ward
Depth: 100′ – 140′ — While carrying a cargo of corn, the Ward struck a spring ice floe opening a large hole at her port bow. She went down quickly, taking five members of her crew with her as a lifeboat was dragged under. Eight men survived. Her upper works are gone but the hull remains upright, very well preserved and remarkably intact. Among other features, she has a unique mushroom anchor, two decks, a round stern, engine, boiler, early mechanical unloading equipment, and hand trucks stored in her bow top deck. Her smokestack lies on the starboard bottom and a lifeboat rests off her starboard stern. Topside a porcelain toilet and bathtub sit on the deck. Learn more…
Sandusky
Depth: 70′ – 84′ — No one survived the sinking of the Sandusky. She was carrying a crew of seven and a cargo of grain. A strong gale overwhelmed her west of McGulpin Point. A passing ship saw three sailors clinging to a spar but the gale prevented help from reaching them. The Sandusky is, perhaps, the best known and most visited dive site in the Straits of Mackinac. She is in relatively shallow water and is a well-preserved example of early Great Lakes sailing vessels. Upright on the bottom, her bowsprit still points upward and a ram’s head figurehead crowns the bow. Figureheads are not typical on Great Lakes ships and this one is a replica. The original was removed for preservation after an attempted theft some years ago, and is now on display at the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. While much of her hardware has illegally disappeared over the years, her rudder, tiller, capstan, working bilge pump, masts and rigging are still on site. Learn more…
