A. R. Colborn and Crane (Wrack)

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.