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Diving – Straits of Mackinac – William Young Shipwreck

WILLIAM YOUNG Length: estimated 148′ Beam: N/A Depth: 100 – 120′ Type: Schooner barge Lost:1891 Built: 1863, Marine City, Michigan Location: Lake Huron, 1.25 miles east of Mackinac Bridge Description: Note: This shipwreck was discovered in midsummer, 2002. There is a great deal still unknown about it. How lost: The Young was a former schooner bark converted to use as a tow barge. She was towing a cargo of coal when lost. She began taking on water and sank, probably in bad weather. No information now available on loss of life. Present condition: She struck bottom bow first resulting in damage to the bow. The top deck cabins are gone. The remainder of the hull is upright and in good condition. The holds are still full of coal eliminating any real penetration. The broken bow does, however, feature a “swimthrough” from the forward hatch to the anchors which still hang gracefully on each side. Because this wreck was not found earlier, it has not been looted and there is much to see. The ship’s wheel, two anchors, a capstan, windlass, deadeyes, one mast, rigging and hardware can all be seen. A portion of the bow deck, perhaps broken off on impact, lies about 50′ astern. Much more awaits discovery.

Wreck Diving – Shipwreck Diving