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From: Craig Rich-MSRA
Category: Shipwreck Diving
Date: 02 May 2007
Time: 12:46:09
Remote Name: 63.168.29.210
Not to change the topic or anythings, but.....
Those attending Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates' annual "Mysteries & Histories Beneath the Inland Seas" event in Holland this Saturday night, May 5, 2007, will be the first to be given the GPS coordinates of the SS Michigan, discovered in the summer of 2005 by MSRA. The GPS numbers then will be posted on the MSRA web site the following day. MSRA welcomes the technical diving community to this underwater museum!
In cooperation with the state archeologist's office, MSRA had withheld the location pending a complete and thorough documentation of the shipwreck. A joint expedition on April 20 between MSRA and Michigan State Police -- utilizing the MSP's new Remotely Operated Vehicle -- captured hours of additional evidentiary video which will preserve for all time the condition of this pristine shipwreck and provide a catalog of artifacts. The ROV video is in addition to hundreds of still photos and hours of video captured by MSRA technical divers Jeff Vos, Todd White and Bob Underhill. So far, only 4 divers, none of them MSRA board members, ever have visited the wreck of the SS Michigan.
The wreck lies in 275 feet of water, with numerous penetration opportunities and is considered an extremely deep technical dive. The vessel has a steel hull, is upright and intact, but its superstructure is collapsed.
The wreck currently is not buoyed. A mooring system installed in 2006 has come loose and has not yet been replaced. This is an extremely at-risk wreck, with a beautiful double ships wheel on deck, as well as other historically significant artifacts. Divers and charter operators are urged to exercise extreme caution when securing their vessel to the wreck using a grapnel. Attempts should be made only at the stern, not the bow due to fragile ship's structure at the bow. It is hoped that the first skilled team to visit the wreck in 2007 will be able to secure a mooring
If there are volunteers (dive shops, preserve officials, charter operators, etc.) who have the necessary skills and budget to install a permanent mooring or two on this wreck, MSRA will be glad to assist in any way we can. A permanent mooring at the bow perhaps would be the safest installation and offer divers the most interesting dive. The orientation of the wreck also will be detailed on Sunday on the MSRA web site.
MSRA appreciates the patience of (most of) the technical dive community as we worked with (and waited for) the state of Michigan to assist in this endeavor. We kept our promise to them, and now we are keeping our promise to the technical dive community. Further details of the April 20 documentation effort also will be included on Sunday.
Again... this wreck is very deep. If you are not specifically trained for this type of diving, please enjoy the shipwreck and the story of how it got there by visiting: www.michiganshipwrecks.org/michigan.htm.
Thanks!
Craig Rich and the rest of the MSRA board of directors