2015 Nautical Archaeology Field School Project

The Northport Wreck

The Northport Wreck is located just off the public beach, south of the Northport marina. The wreck is located on a sandy lakebed, in 8 feet of water, is in a sheltered diving/snorkeling  location. It is possible to wade most of the distance to the wreck from shore.

The wreck may be easily accessed from the Northport public park which has a public beach, pier, bathrooms, fresh water and ample parking.

Many of the features of this boat are still intact including the boiler, ash pan, hull and rudder. The location of the wreck is normally identified by a mooring buoy, attached to the boiler.

You can watch a video of the Northport Wreck here.

The 2015 recording survey will be conducted as a training and reconnaissance exercise to document the nature, extent, condition and history of the site.

The research objectives of the work on the Northport Wreck in 2015 will be:

1.    To determine the extent of structural remains still present. The objective of this work will be to illustrate the extent of the wrecks remaining structure, to determine the actual length and width of the structure, and establish the extent of the scatter field surrounding the site;

2.     To establish a base-line survey in order to monitor the condition of the structure so that future surveys can determine whether or not deterioration is ongoing. This work should also identify if any new areas of material are becoming exposed as a result of changes in environmental conditions on the site;

3.    Students will develop their own, targeted, research objectives during their field school training.

This project is appropriate for both novice divers and snorkelers.

The Village of Northport has several shops and restaurants.