On October 22, 1881, a fierce storm descended on Lake Huron, and violent northwest winds and a blinding snowstorm caused havoc by stranding 14 ships in this area. Remarkably, there was not a single loss of life, and all of the ships but one were eventually freed. The 125-foot schooner L.M. Mason remained stranded, and Lake Huron’s heavy seas pounded the schooner until ice, wind and waves tore apart the vessel over time. Today, the remains of the Mason rest in 18 feet of water one half-mile southwest of the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, where its shallow resting place in crystal-clear water and proximity to shore make this shipwreck a popular site for divers, kayakers and paddlers. Visitors can see a large section of the schooner’s port side and a wooden arch built into the hull to strengthen the vessel.