The latest wreck to be discovered in the Straits of Mackinac is the schooner
William Young. The Young was accidentally found by Michigan State Police search
and rescue divers during a missing person search on the East side of the
Mackinac bridge in August of 2002.
The wreck is upright and intact in 120 feet of water, in the shipping lane,
about a mile east of the bridge. Divers have experienced current on the surface
and bottom. Evidently all lower cabins were removed to provide more cargo
capacity, probably during conversion to a tow barge. The aft two thirds of the
hull is filled with coal to within a couple of feet below the main deck. Forward
the bow is split open with coal, anchors and anchor chain spilled into the sand.
It is possible to swim through the open bow area and aft to the forward hatch.
As stated above, the rest of the wreck is filled with coal. A mast lies along
the starboard side, on the bottom. Some deadeyes can be found along the rail.
The wheel is still in place next to the rudderpost on the rear deck
Serious quality reduction for the web but ... you get the idea.