Bermuda Wreck - Great Lakes

The Bermuda Wreck, sitting somewhere in the Great Lakes, holds a quiet charm for those who appreciate history over coral. We’ve always been drawn to these freshwater wrecks. There’s something eerie about the cold, dark freshwater preserving them so well, often with the ship’s cargo still scattered on the lakebed. What makes the Bermuda stand out for us is the sense of true exploration it offers. You’re not just looking at a wreck, you’re diving into a moment frozen in time. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, but when it’s good, the structure is surprisingly intact, allowing for some decent penetration if you’re properly trained and equipped. We've seen schools of perch flitting through the holds, their scales glinting in the beam of a dive light, and burbot often lurk in the deeper, darker sections. It’s a dive for those who enjoy the thrill of discovery and don't mind the chill of the lakes. Bring a good torch and take your time; the details reveal themselves slowly here.

Location
Great Lakes, United States, North America
Coordinates
46.462692, -86.649170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Wreck History - Bermuda Wreck

Year Sunk
1870
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
264 GRT

Resting in the clear, cold waters of Lake Superior, the 'Bermuda Wreck' is not a vessel lost to tropical mystery, but a classic Great Lakes schooner with a history all its own. The two-masted wooden schooner Bermuda was built in 1860 and spent a decade hauling cargo, primarily iron ore, across the lakes. In October 1870, while loaded with ore from Marquette, she was caught in a fierce gale. The storm proved too much for the vessel, and she foundered and sank off Murray Bay, taking her captain with her.

Rediscovered in the 1960s, the Bermuda is now one of the most popular dive sites within the Alger Underwater Preserve. She sits perfectly upright and remarkably intact, thanks to the preserving cold of the lake. Her deck is at about 24 meters, with the lakebed at 36 meters. Divers can marvel at her deadeyes, anchor, and windlass, all still in place. The cargo holds are open, revealing her final load of iron ore, a testament to the industrial heritage of the Great Lakes and a beautiful, ghostly sight for visiting divers.

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Lakes

Nearest Dive Centres to Bermuda Wreck

Marine Life in Great Lakes

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

Notable Species