wreck

Log This Dive

Lucinda Van Valkenburg

The Lucinda Van Valkenburg sits quietly off the coast of Ludington, Michigan, a wooden bulk freighter from the late 1800s. We’ve always been drawn to these older Great Lakes wrecks; they tell a story you just don’t get with more modern steel. Dropping down, you’ll first discern the stern, surprisingly intact, with the rudder and propeller still in place. It’s not a huge wreck, but the wooden structure offers plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Our favourite part is poking around the bow, where the anchor chain still drapes over the side, an elegant reminder of its working life. Visibility here can be hit or miss – some days it’s a crisp 10 metres, other times it’s more like a hazy five, so pick your day carefully. We’ve seen good-sized lake trout and burbot lurking in the shadows, and the zebra mussels, while invasive, certainly add to the texture of the wreck, almost like a living barnacle growth. This dive is perfect for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the history and character of a well-preserved timber vessel, rather than just the scale of the wreck. Keep an eye on your bottom time; the lake can get chilly even in summer.