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From: Craig Rich-MSRA
Category: Shipwreck Research
Date: 04 Jan 2007
Time: 19:11:12
Remote Name: 63.168.29.210
Valid points, Bill. And we have released the numbers for everything we've found or re-found with two exceptions. For instance, the H. C. Akeley is an amazing wreck and the numbers have been out for a few years. The AA5 is a nice dive, too.
And the only reason we have not released the numbers for the S.S. Michigan and the Hennepin is the fragility of the wrecks (look at the photos on our web site -- shipswheels, etc. RIGHT on deck) and no resources to permanently buoy them. The local preserve group has no money. We have no money. And the state of Michigan couldn't give a rat's ass about shipwrecks. No one runs a charter around here (the Grand Haven guy is just getting started) and it is the charters who usually set up these moorings, right? I know that's true for the Straits and others.
We all know these shipwrecks are frozen moments in time. These are not just some stripped down hulks like so many other wrecks. EVERYTHING is there! One yah-hoo with a grappling hook and these two wrecks are permanently destroyed. Would you want that responsibility on your shoulders? I don't.
What are we to do? We are open to suggestion.
I know you and others would love to run trips over here and I can't fault you for wanting to make a buck. I would too if I was in your business. And frankly, we'd love to have a bunch of divers from Wisconson, Indiana and Illinois staying in our hotels, and eating and drinking at our restaurants and bars. Ultimately these wrecks WILL contribute to the local economy. We just need to figure out a better way to manage them.
And, by the way, we do spend thousands of dollars out of our own pockets in addition to the one grant we get each year ($500-$1,000) from the G.L. Shipwreck Research Foundation and the small amount ($2,000-$3,000) we raise at our little shipwreck show in Holland.
We're doing the best we can, Bill. That's more than most people even attempt.
Craig Rich, Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates