SS George M. Cox Wreck

This is the scattered wreck of the 259-foot passenger steamer SS George M. Cox, near Rock of Ages Lighthouse at Isle Royale's western end. It's one of the park's protected shipwreck dive sites, but plan around a boat dive, not a shore-side stop. The site ranges from 10 to 100 feet, and water below 50 feet is typically 34 to 37°F, so this is for experienced cold-water divers with the right training and gear.

All divers must register at Rock Harbor, Windigo or Houghton before diving, then return the completed permit. The island has no facilities for filling dive cylinders, so plan your gas before leaving. A diver-down flag is required, and anyone at the surface must stay within 100 feet of it. Wrecks are protected; rinse gear in warm chlorinated tap water and let it dry for seven days before diving in the park.

The wreck isn't one intact shape on the lake floor. Wreckage lies in separate bow and stern areas, with twisted plating, exposed machinery and a propeller. Take time to look at the machinery and the scattered pieces around it; light and visibility can limit what you see, especially deeper.

Built in Toledo in 1901 as the Puritan, the steamer was lengthened to 259 feet in 1907. After four years idle, George M. Cox bought and renamed it for a new passenger route. On May 27, 1933, the first trip under the Cox name ended against Rock of Ages Reef in heavy fog while passengers were at dinner. Everyone aboard made it safely to the lighthouse, and nobody died.