The North Wind Wreck: A Diver’s Paradise in Lake Huron

Exploring the last of the Great Lakes’ six sisters

The North Wind, a 300-foot steamship, was one of the six sisters built in Cleveland that sailed the Great Lakes. By 1926, she was the last of her kind remaining in the region, a testament to the endurance and craftsmanship of her era. Tragically, the North Wind met her end in July 1926, sinking in the North Channel of Lake Huron, near Little Current on Manitoulin Island.

Today, the wreck of the North Wind lies in remarkable condition, offering a treasure trove of exploration opportunities for divers. Despite the passage of nearly a century, the ship remains upright, with much to see both inside and out. The wreck is largely free of zebra mussels, which have plagued many other submerged sites.

The Wreck

The North Wind rests upright on the lakebed, with her propeller buried in mud, though a spare propeller is conveniently located on the deck. The main deck, closer to the stern, features various skylights that provide natural light to the compartments below. The stern structure is particularly well-preserved; its cabins and companionways are still intact, and the paint on the walls inside remains visible, offering a vivid glimpse into the ship’s past.

Exploring the Engine Room

The engine room of the North Wind is a must-visit for any diver. It is accessible through two points from the companionways or via a broken skylight located directly above the massive triple expansion engine. This room is expansive and filled with fascinating artifacts from the ship’s operational days. Divers will find that the room offers a circular swim on at least two different levels, with a staircase providing access to the lower sections. It’s an area that deserves more than one dive to fully appreciate the intricate machinery and historical significance it holds.

Diving Conditions

Diving the North Wind wreck is not without its challenges. The maximum depth of the wreck is 128 feet, requiring divers to be adequately experienced and equipped for deep dives. The darkness at this depth can be profound, necessitating powerful underwater lights to navigate and explore the site effectively.

Silting is another hazard, particularly for those venturing inside the wreck. The fine sediment can easily be disturbed, reducing visibility to almost zero and complicating navigation. Therefore, careful buoyancy control and minimal contact with the wreck are essential to avoid stirring up the silt.

Lastly, the cold temperatures of Lake Huron present an additional challenge. Divers need to be prepared with appropriate thermal protection to manage the prolonged exposure to cold water.

Diving Tips

• Experience Level: Ensure you have adequate experience in deep and wreck diving.
• Lighting: Bring multiple underwater lights to navigate the dark interior spaces.
• Buoyancy Control: Practice good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sediment.
• Thermal Protection: Use a dry suit to protect against the cold temperatures.
• Plan Your Dive: Always dive with a buddy and plan your dive carefully, especially if you intend to penetrate the wreck.

What to See

While the entire wreck is a marvel to explore, certain areas stand out. The stern structure with its intact cabins and companionways offers a hauntingly beautiful experience, with the preserved paint on the walls adding a tangible connection to the ship’s history. The various skylights on the main deck closer to the stern provide glimpses into the compartments below, inviting further exploration.

The engine room, however, remains the highlight of the wreck. The sheer size of the room and the presence of the triple expansion engine, along with numerous artifacts, make it a diver’s playground. The ability to swim in a circular pattern on different levels adds to the allure, providing a unique diving experience.

Conclusion

The North Wind wreck in Lake Huron’s North Channel is a dive site that combines historical intrigue with challenging diving conditions. Its excellent preservation and the wealth of artifacts it holds make it a must-visit for experienced divers. Despite the hazards of depth, darkness, silting, and cold, the rewards of exploring this underwater relic are immense. Whether you’re drawn to the engineering marvel of the engine room or the eerie beauty of the intact cabins, the North Wind promises an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.