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Early view of Montana.
Early view of Montana.

GPS Location: N44° 59.025' W83° 16.013'
Depth: 63 Feet
Wreck Length: 236 Feet Beam: 36 Feet
Gross Tonnage: 1536 Cargo: None
Launched: 1872 by Muir and Livingston at Port Huron, Michigan
Wrecked: September 6, 1914
Description:The Montana was originally a swift package freighter operated by the New York Central Railroad's Western Transit Company. In 1909, she was rebuilt as a lumber carrier. En route from Detroit to Georgian Bay to load lumber in 1914, it caught fire, burned to the water's edge, and sank off Thunder Bay's North Point. Today, the bow is broken open, but many interesting hull features can still be seen at the site. It's engine, boiler, shaft and propeller are all in place, while the windlass, capstan and rudder also lie among the wreckage. Click here to read more about the Montana.

 

Diver inspecting four-bladed steel propeller.
Diver inspecting four-bladed steel propeller.

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


Forecast for the Alpena area

 

Things To Do

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling