GPS Location : N45° 03.287' W83° 25.603'
Depth: 15 Feet
Wreck Length: 162 Feet Beam: 33 Feet
Gross Tonnage: 496 Cargo: None
Launched: 1866 by Little at Toledo, Ohio
Wrecked: November 24, 1905
Description: The Harvey Bissell went through many changes during the four decades that it sailed the Great Lakes. Originally rigged as a barkentine, it was made a three-masted schooner in 1874, and later cut down to a two-masted towbarge. Like most of its contemporaries, the ship suffered many accidents during its long career. At 39, the Bissell was wrecked for the last time, between Thunder Bay Island and Presque Isle. Three weeks later it was salvaged and towed to Alpena to be dismantled and abandoned in the outer harbor. The ship's remains lie in the shallows, flattened but nearly complete. Three mast steps can be seen on the heavy keelsons. Click here to read more about the Harvey Bissell.
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Enjoy diving the wrecks of Thunder Bay, but always respect the past. State and federal laws prohibit removing or disturbing artifacts. Future generations are depending on us to leave historic shipwrecks intact. Please take only pictures and leave only bubbles. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Shipwreck List
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary maintains seasonal moorings at many shipwreck sites. Available from May to September, the moorings make for safer diving and also protect shipwrecks from anchor damage. Sanctuary regulations require vessels to use moorings when present. Mooring Buoy Interactive Map
Things To Do
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling