Chicago-Lake Michigan Wrecks???

[BoneCrusher]

So, I am looking for some insight on some wrecks off of Chicago.

In July I will be there doing some dives and am trying to plan wrecks. The wreck that is on our must to list is the S.S. Wisconsin. The group will be diving that in the morning. We are a mix of recreational and technical divers, so some will be doing 2 recreational dives while others will be doing one long technical dive.

So, we are looking for a good wreck for the afternoon (same dive criteria as the morning, some doing rec dives, others doing a tech dive). Currently we are looking at either the St. Mary or S.S. Straights of Mackinac. My concern is that the short video clips I have seen of the St. Mary make it look like diving a lumber yard. Is that the case?

What would you recommend for a wreck?

Thanks!

 

[vondo]

I guess it depends on what you like. I think the St. Mary is beautiful, but it is a wooden wreck splayed open on the bottom. The Mac is a steel ship with penetration possibilities, etc. But there is no "history" there. Are you using a charter from the area? What do they say about what your possibilities are?

The Wisconsin is great because it's an intact (more or less) steel ship with a lot of history. Good choice there.

 

[BoneCrusher]

Personally I would prefer the historic wrecks. But, I want to be able to recognize features from the ship and components of the ship. I enjoy taking video, so shooting scattered boards laying on the bottom doesn't come across as cool in a video.

I just wanted to make sure the St. Mary is a good dive that give us plenty to explore for either one long deco dive or two back to back recreational dives.

 

[vondo]

I guess I would say it is somewhere between scattered boards and something to explore. It certainly is recognizable as a shipwreck. I'll try to find some pictures later and post them for you. I like it, it's a neat wreck, I'll be back for my third visit in a few weeks.

 

[KJackson60]

If sailing from the south (Chicago) the Wells Burt might interest you. Not as deep as the Wisconsin so would be a good follow up dive. Fairly intact wooden sailing ship 35-40'. I have not been diving this wreck but have heard good things about it from those who have.
If sailing from the North (Milwaukee) the Lumberman is a good dive as well. Wooden sailing ship approx. 50-70'. I have been on this wreck and really enjoyed it.
You may want to consult Chris Kohls' book The Great Lakes Diving Guide. It has a wealth of information about wrecks through out the great lakes.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

 

[vondo]

Here's four shots of the St. Mary.

The Well's Burt is nice also. A better shipwreck than the St. Mary. I figured you were going out of the Waukegan/Wisconsin area so it was not a possibility, but if it is, do it.

 

[KJackson60]

BoneCrusher,

Did you ever decide what wrecks you are diving in July? Just interested. I thought I could bring along some pals. :alien::alien::alien:

 

[T. Bix]

Hey Mike, If interested I may have a way to get us out to the wreck known as the Thomas Hume (not positively identified yet).

 

[Captain_Bob]

The Thomas Hume is a great wooden wreck with a ton of history behind it. It is a little deeper though its about 145 to the dirt

 

[BoneCrusher]

Haven't made the final decisions for the July trip yet.... (why do today what you can put off till tomorrow!)

Bix... I like the idea about the Hume! Keep me updated!