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It's easy to explore Lake Huron shipwrecks
Hundreds of shipwrecks lie beneath the blue waves of Lake Huron
– a testament to the maritime history of the Great Lakes region and its often-fierce weather conditions.
Shipwrecks may conjure images of mighty storms and sunken
treasure, but in the Great Lakes, you’re more likely to find iron ore and
lost cargo than gold (although the History Channel's The Curse of Civil War Gold is hoping to
prove that wrong).
Gold or no, shipwrecks themselves are a treasure for Michigan’s
coastal communities, attracting visitors curious to see them. Many wrecks are located in water so shallow, scuba gear isn't needed to get up close.
Freshwater divers and snorkelers often have a better opportunity
to enjoy high-quality sites than marine divers; the cold waters of the Great
Lakes (unsalted, as many tongue-in-cheek T-shirts advertise) preserve wrecks better than an ocean environment.
Michigan’s Coastal Management Program supported the Noble Odyssey Foundation to improve information and access to
these sunken pieces of Michigan history. The program's mission is to protect both the
natural and cultural resources of the Great Lakes coast.
Luke Clyburn, President of the Noble Odyssey Foundation, is a dive and shipwreck enthusiast. He wears many hats, including ship captain and master SCUBA diver instructor.
"Marine historians
feel that the stories to be told about shallow-water wrecks are important," said Clyburn. "For several years,
support from the Michigan Coastal Management Program has provided us with opportunities to learn more about these vessels and their stories."
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