Vessel Position: Partially submerged

Vessel Intact: Mostly

Vessel Secured: Secured

Vessel Type: Commercial

Hull Type: Steel

Vessel Size: >65 ft

Hull Color: Black

Make and Model: Custom suction dredge

Registration Number: NA

Hull ID: #1

Additional Information: This vessel is an approximately 150 ft x 50 ft derelict suction dredge resting on the bottom along the shoreline of Torch Lake, in the Lake Superior drainage basin of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Moored near-shore in late '60s, it sank in place in the early '70s and has been an attractive nuisance ever since. Visible from the roadside in a popular tourist area, it attracts hundreds of curious people annually, many of whom board the wreckage and climb on its superstructure. Obviously, doing so invites the risk of serious injury or even death. Attempts by the adjacent landowner, Osceola Township, to restrict access (and limit liability) with fencing and signage have been unsuccessful as they have been repeatedly removed by those wanting to go aboard. An historic vessel in its own right, it could dredge to over 100 ft depth and moved many hundreds of thousands of tons of copper bearing sands for both the Calumet and Hecla, and Quincy, mining companies. It is now the subject of efforts by the township and a historic preservation association to find funding to make the dredge safe and create an adjoining interpretive park. The objective being to turn what is now a huge liability into a vibrant community asset.

Accessibility: Easy

Reported on Behalf Of: Myself