GPS Location: N45° 03.920' W83° 10.928'
Depth: 40 Feet
Wreck Length: 179 Feet Beam: 32 Feet
Gross Tonnage: 758 Cargo: Coal
Launched: 1873 by Simon Langell at St. Clair, Michigan
Wrecked: October 27,1894
Description: The D.M. Wilson was headed for Milwaukee with a load of coal when it sprang a leak and began sinking. The steamers Hudson and Samuel Mitchell took it in tow, but it foundered in 40 feet of water two miles north of Thunder Bay Island. The crew was rescued by a fourth ship. The Wilson was broken up by a gale 10 days later, when debris was driven as far south as Tawas. Much of the machinery was later salvaged. Most of the Wilson's hull remains intact today, including a large windlass that rests on the bow. Click here to read more about the D.M. Wilson.
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