NBM Dive Site Resource
Madeira
Silver Bay, Minnesota, United States
A historically significant schooner-barge broken against Gold Rock during the 1905 Mataafa Storm, with major diagnostic hull elements still intact.
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Historic Photograph
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Seasonal planning reference
Typical monthly conditions
Long-term averages, not a forecast. Actual air and water conditions can change quickly and may vary across the site.Moderate-confidence match — Matched by documented Great Lakes port/area. Air and surface-water values are regional planning averages. No bottom-water line is published because a comparable depth-specific record has not yet been verified.
| Month | Average air | Surface water | Bottom water | Bottom measurement depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11.2°F / -11.6°C | 32.3°F / 0.2°C | No reliable record | — |
| Feb | 15.4°F / -9.2°C | 32.0°F / 0.0°C | No reliable record | — |
| Mar | 27.0°F / -2.8°C | 39.6°F / 4.2°C | No reliable record | — |
| Apr | 39.5°F / 4.2°C | 35.7°F / 2.1°C | No reliable record | — |
| May | 52.0°F / 11.1°C | 36.3°F / 2.4°C | No reliable record | — |
| Jun | 61.2°F / 16.2°C | 40.1°F / 4.5°C | No reliable record | — |
| Jul | 67.0°F / 19.4°C | 49.4°F / 9.7°C | No reliable record | — |
| Aug | 65.5°F / 18.6°C | 60.9°F / 16.1°C | No reliable record | — |
| Sep | 57.2°F / 14.0°C | 57.3°F / 14.1°C | No reliable record | — |
| Oct | 44.1°F / 6.7°C | 49.1°F / 9.5°C | No reliable record | — |
| Nov | 29.8°F / -1.2°C | 42.9°F / 6.1°C | No reliable record | — |
| Dec | 17.1°F / -8.3°C | 41.1°F / 5.1°C | No reliable record | — |
NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals — Duluth, MN
1991–2020 climate normalsReview source ↗NOAA NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide — West Superior
Historical monthly station averagesReview source ↗Bottom temperature is never inferred from surface temperature. A blank month means no reliable depth-specific average is available. Data reviewed 2026-08-26.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Large debris field, recognizable hull sections and a dramatic setting opposite Split Rock Lighthouse.
Shipwreck-only module
The wreck
This section appears only on shipwreck records and brings the vessel, its loss, present condition, access, and responsible wreck-diving considerations into one place.
- Vessel type
- Unpowered schooner-barge
- Year built
- 1900
- Year sunk
- 1905
- Cause of loss
- Separated from tow during the Mataafa Storm and struck Gold Rock
- Wreck orientation
- Broken debris field along a rocky slope
- Present condition
- Numerous pieces with major diagnostic hull elements intact
- Protection or memorial status
- National Register of Historic Places
Plan the trip
Dive boats that visit this wreck
Regional context
Located within
Before you arrive
Access notes
Confirm the selected wreck, current conditions, mooring or access status, permits and diver requirements directly with the operator.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Cold water, remote emergency response, changing weather and visibility, entanglement, fragile wreck structure and overhead environments. Depth-specific decompression hazards may apply.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.