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Scuba diving Lake Huron, the Great Lakes, USA / Canada
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Dive Site: Regina
Location: Lake Huron, Great Lakes, Michigan (43°20.434'N 082°26.787'W)
Description: Freighter wreck
Length: 76 metres (250 feet)
Depth: 25 metres max (75 feet)
Visibility: 10 metres (30 feet)
Rating: ****
This 250' Scottish-built steel package freighter was one of several vessels that sank in the infamous Great Lakes Storm of 1913. When the Regina was located in 1986, she was found resting upside down in 24m of water with a large gash down her port side. Whether the hole was caused by the boat running aground or by a collision with another boat is a matter for debate. The air of the unknown certainly adds to what has been described as Lake Huron's signature dive.
What is known about that fateful night is that with ninety mile an hour winds and fifty foot waves few stood any chance. Having a top-heavy load of sewage pipes, it is believed that the captain of the Regina executed a slow turn to head south and headed for what he believed would be relative safety in the form of the shallower water closer to shore. A distress whistle was sounded and heard from shore and when first re-discovered it was determined that she was at anchor when she went down, with her engines and electrical system shut down and lifeboats deployed. Sadly, the lives of all aboard were lost, including the captain who went down with his ship, and hence much of the surrounding confusion and mystery.
This is undoubtedly a great dive. On a good day visibility can be good enough to see the hull in its entirety, including the huge prop, stack and gaping hole that reveals large sections of the interior cargo holds. Penetration is possible but not advised.
Rick Davies
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