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GVSU to present steamboat shipwreck survey results

Posted at 6:54 AM, Mar 24, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-24 06:57:25-04

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– They cut into the ice of Reeds Lake and searched the frigid waters for sunken steamboats. Now, a team of researchers from Grand Valley State University will present their findings.

Back in February, the group used sonar equipment to locate the S.S. Hazel A, a steamboat that used to take families around the lake. The were able to map out the wreck and discovered the steamboat was in one piece, sitting upright on the lake’s floor.

The group is using the information to digitally document sunken steamboats in Reeds Lake in the hopes of learning more about naval architecture between tourism steamboats and those designed for trade.

The program, sponsored by the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library, will take place March 24 at 7 p.m. in the East Grand Rapids City Commission chambers, located at 750 Lakeside Drive.