How many people have died in Lake Superior? The startling truth is, no one knows for sure. Lake Superior is the world’s largest body of fresh water, covering 31,700 sq miles and containing 22,170 cu miles of liquid – and, unfortunately, it has become the final resting place for untold numbers of unfortunate souls. From sailors lost in storms, to people killed in shipwrecks, it’s safe to say that hundreds of people have perished in its icy waters.
Hundreds of shipwrecks in and around the lake have accounted for innumerable deaths. It’s estimated some 40% of the Great Lakes’ maritime disasters have taken place along Lake Superior’s shoreline, from the frigid waters of Keweenaw Peninsula to far-out Isle Royale. But there are no records of just how many souls have been lost. It is estimated that some 6,000 vessels have met their doom in the Great Lakes, yet there’s no estimate as to how many lives have been lost.
Experts agree that it’s a complicated equation – and one that will never be solved. Records both of the people lost and of the ships were not always kept accurately, if at all – and in many cases the vessels were never recovered. Whether the crew was washed up on some distant shore, or simply swallowed up by the lake, they were gone without a trace. The ever-changing currents, dense fog and rocky terrain combined with the limited manpower and resources of the time, made it difficult to search for and even to find missing ships.
Archives of regional newspapers often tell tales of stories about ships lost for weeks, only to be found by chance, or washed up on the shore. In other cases, a ship simply vanishes with its crew, adding to the untold number still buried deep within the lakebed.
Remembered are sailors like the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald, whose whereabouts were determined but the crew has never been found. Similarly gone but never forgotten are cases such as the SS Kamloops, a 266-foot steamer which went down in August 1927, taking the lives of 33 passengers and crew members. It was this tragedy that prompted the creation of an international distress signal for vessels in danger.
It’s not just seafarers who have perished in these waters, of course. There are tales of ordinary people seized by surprise as deceitful waters rushed in and swallowed them whole. Unofficial reports of recreational swimmers and boaters who have gone missing and never been found are not uncommon.
It’s fair to say, then, that Lake Superior has claimed more than its fair share of lives over the years. Its cold, unpredictable waters have proven to be more than a match for the most adventurous seafarers.
Fishing and Boating Accidents
Fishing and boating accidents are becoming more and more common in the Great Lakes region, including on Lake Superior. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that there were 651 boating accidents on the Great Lakes in 2020 alone, resulting in 71 deaths. Of those deaths, 20 are believed to have occurred on Lake Superior. And that’s not all – the numbers for 2021 are higher, with 166 deaths on the Great Lakes, including 33 on Lake Superior.
Sadly, the majority of these tragic accidents can be attributed to inadequate safety measures. Many people simply don’t understand the need for basic safety gear, from life jackets and flares to radios and distress signals. But it’s not just boaters who are to blame – many anglers forget basic safety rules, such as never wading into the water and keeping a close eye on their lines.
As the boating and fishing seasons grow longer due to warmer temperatures, so too do the risks. Experts advise that everyone take all necessary precautions before venturing onto the lakes, including checking the weather and conditions, preparing safety gear and measuring the size of the craft relative to the size and shape of the lake.
The Impact Of Shipping Traffic
The density of shipping traffic on Lake Superior has also become a cause for concern. The increased number of ships on the lake has been linked to a corresponding rise in wreckage, resulting in both oil spills and the sinking of some of the larger vessels.
For instance, the cargo freighter, the Arthur M. Anderson, sunk in April 2018 after crashing into a rock formation near the shoreline of Ontario. Thankfully, much of the coal and crude oil cargo was salvaged, but the boat remains at the bottom of the lake. This incident highlights the danger of shipping traffic in the lake, and emphasizes the need for caution.
In addition, environmentalists have long been concerned about the impact of the ships’ propellers on the lake’s delicate ecosystem. The blades of the ships can severely damage fragile coral formations and wildlife habitats, while the fuel used to power them can leak into the lake, polluting it and endangering its inhabitants.
Climate Change’s Impact on Lake Superior
The effects of climate change can also be felt in Lake Superior. Scientists predict that the lake’s levels will continue to rise over the coming years, due to rising atmospheric temperatures and melting glaciers. As the lake levels rise, so too do the dangers posed to boaters and anyone visiting the lake’s shoreline.
At the same time, rising temperatures are also believed to be contributing to an increase in aquatic invasive species in the lake, such as mussels, spiny water fleas, and Asian carp. These invasive species can wreak havoc on the lake’s native species, by out-competing them for food and habitat, and causing long-term damage.
Not surprisingly, the effects of climate change are felt far and wide throughout the Great Lakes region. In addition to rising waters, the region is also faced with warmer air temperatures that can trigger droughts and extensive wildfires.
The Role Of Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts are increasingly being employed to protect the lake and its surrounding areas, including the introduction of better safety regulations and more stringent enforcement of existing laws. Local governments are also encouraging people to do their part, by utilizing more sustainable practices such as single-use plastic reduction and energy conservation.
The Lake Superior Management Board has been set up to manage all aspects of the lake’s stewardship, including the development of a collaborative management plan for the lake. This plan includes essential goals such as preserving biodiversity, reducing pollution, and promoting the health and welfare of the Great Lakes region.
In addition, the Minnesota Sea Grant program, which was founded in 2002, has been working to educate the public on the importance of conservation, as well as to promote sustainable use of the lake. Its efforts include public service announcements, educational materials and interactive maps, as well as partnerships with local governments.
At the same time, organizations such as the Lake Superior Roundtable are working to coordinate conservation efforts between the Great Lakes region’s stakeholders, including governments, private users and non-governmental organizations. The Roundtable’s goal is to increase the use of effective conservation strategies throughout the lakes’ watersheds.
Saving Lives
The key to preserving Lake Superior and the lives that depend on her, is to practice and promote safety and conservation. Simple precautions such as wearing life jackets when boating and closely monitoring lines when fishing can help prevent accidental deaths, while day-to-day conservation efforts such as energy conservation and plastic reduction can help protect the lake from environmental degradation.
When it comes down to it, our collective efforts are the key to preserving the lives of those who depend on the lake, and to ensuring the future of this natural wonder.
