Steel ribs rise from Lake Huron like a forgotten monument

by Peg Larivere

Riveted plates and jagged edges. What were these pieces a part of?

Something, resting above and below the surface of Lake Huron between Algoma Mills and Blind River, Ontario

One day this past summer, I was out on Lake Huron doing a segment of a challenge I'd given myself: to kayak from the mouth of the Mississagi River (which is on the western edge of Blind River), along the lake shore into Serpent Harbour and up the Serpent River to a spot opposite where Hwy 17 and Hwy 108 meet - a spot opposite Elliot Lake.

On September 29th, I was doing the segment, which took me from the boat launch at Algoma Mills to the Blind River Marina, a paddle of just under 13km. For each of the 4 segments (done in no particular order), I stayed out on the lake because one of the rules I remember from school is that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. If I could see something that needed exploring, I’d go in.

These pieces of whatever this used to be, above and below the water, drew me in.

More pieces of whatever was. There was a lot more under the water but with the waves and the kayak having a mind of it’s own - photos didn’t turn out.

Do you know what this was? Off and on, I’ve been doing research about ship wrecks in the Blind River area. I’ve spoken to two residents who live near this location and visited the local library, but I've found no information. It could be an abandoned part of a ship (it definitely has the look of a ship’s bow) or equipment used during the logging era?

The black-and-white Photolog picture shows that the upper edge is torn and irregular, suggesting the structure has been broken off.

I’d appreciate it if you have information, please use the comment ssection or drop me a line. Thank you.