A. R. Colborn and Crane (Wrack) - Great Lakes

Diving the A.R. Colborn and the Crane, or what most of us just call the Wrack, isn’t about big pelagics or colourful reef fish. It’s a proper Great Lakes wreck dive, perfect for those who appreciate history and the quiet, often overlooked, beauty of freshwater ecosystems. We love how the two wrecks are tangled together, making for a fascinating explore. You’ll find the Colborn, a steam barge, and then the crane lying across it, like it just collapsed mid-operation. Our favourite part is the way the light filters through the green-blue water, catching the outlines of the machinery. Visibility can be a bit variable, so we'd suggest picking a calm, sunny day to get the best experience. Look closely in the nooks and crannies of the hull and the crane's structure. You’ll spot plenty of Yellow Perch and Cisco darting in and out, and if you’re lucky, a big Walleye lurking in the deeper shadows. It’s a calm, contemplative dive, excellent for wreck enthusiasts who enjoy taking their time and soaking in the atmosphere.

Location
Great Lakes, United States, North America
Coordinates
42.985520, -82.422770
Type
wreck

Wreck History - A. R. Colborn and Crane (Wrack)

Year Sunk
1910
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
storm
Tonnage
651 GRT

The A. R. Colborn began its life as a three-masted schooner before being converted into a schooner-barge, a common workhorse on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. These unpowered vessels were towed in long strings by steamers, efficiently transporting bulk cargo like iron ore and coal across the vast inland seas. In October 1910, while under tow by the steamer L.C. Waldo, the Colborn and its fleet were caught in a vicious storm. The tow line snapped, leaving the Colborn at the mercy of the waves. It eventually foundered and sank, taking its massive deck-mounted salvage crane with it to the bottom.

Today, the A. R. Colborn rests in the cold, clear waters of the Great Lakes, a beautifully preserved relic of a bygone era. The exceptional visibility and the preservative effect of the fresh water make for a stunning dive. The wreck's most prominent feature is the large crane, which sits upright on the deck as if ready for its next job. Divers can explore the largely intact hull, peering into the cargo holds and imagining the final, frantic moments of this hardworking vessel. The Colborn serves as a poignant and accessible window into the perilous history of Great Lakes shipping.

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Lakes

Nearest Dive Centres to A. R. Colborn and Crane (Wrack)

Marine Life in Great Lakes

Home to 30 recorded species including 27 reef fish, 2 other, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species