The DeTour Passage is located at the easternmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The area, which includes Drummond Island, became the state’s tenth underwater preserve.
The DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve features a variety of dive sites. Among the most popular are the John B. Merrill, which lies south of Drummond Island in about 65 feet of water. Although broken up, the John B. Merrill offers divers an opportunity to see many small artifacts, including tools, ship hardware, and personal effects. The vessel was wrecked in a storm in 1893 and was discovered 99 years later.
Divers can expect 10 to 20 feet of visibility and there are no unusual safety concerns at the site. The entire vessel and debris field can be found in an area approximately 100 by 200 feet.
Another popular dive site in this preserve is that of the J. C. Ford, off Little Trout Island. Although the steamer is badly broken up from an explosion in 1924, there is much to see, including a large propeller. The J.C. Ford lies in only 12 to 15 feet of water and is a favorite among underwater photographers because visibility is frequently greater than 20 feet.
The General was a 97-foot tugboat that sank in 1930 off Frying Pan Island. This is a popular dive site because much of the vessel’s structure and machinery can be found in about 20 feet of water. Also, this site is often accessible in even the most adverse weather conditions.
Shore access sites abound in the DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve. These include a series of wooden-hulled vessels that were left to “molder” near shore. A portion of one of these, the Sainte Marie, can be seen above water. The steel paddlewheel of another shipwreck can also be seen above water nearby.
Near the municipal marina, divers can find the remains of several old freighters, dock ruins, and a variety of small artifacts left from fueling operations.
Divers will find many fine restaurants in DeTour Village and on Drummond Island. Many divers enjoy seeing today’s vessels slide through the narrow passage bound to or from Lake Superior.
A note about the charts included in each Preserve reference:
The coordinates are presumed to be accurate but we place no guarantee. Water depths may be off due to water level changes. Always evaluate weather conditions and divers abilities before diving any wreck. We are not recommending any of these dive destinations. We are only publishing information. Caution: Some wrecks may be out of the sport diving depth limit. Diving is a potentially dangerous activity. Use common sense and dive within your training and skill level.
