Background of Lake Huron
Lake Huron is the second largest of the five Great Lakes in North America, the others being Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. It lies to the north of Lake Erie and the straits connecting the two lakes form part of the United States and Canada’s common border. The lake also lies just east of Lake Michigan and has a surface area of 23,000 square miles (59,000 square kilometers), making it slightly smaller than Lake Michigan but larger than Lake Erie.
Lake Huron’s waters are connected through the Detroit River and the St. Clair River to Lake St. Clair, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Ottawa River and the Lake Michigan-Huron system. Over the years, its shores have been home to a variety of people and culture, with Native Americans, fur traders and missionaries among those settling the area.
How Many Ships Have Sunk In Lake Huron
Lake Huron is famous for having a number of sunken ships, mainly due to its deep waters and unpredictable weather patterns. Over 1,000 shipwrecks, some dating back centuries, are estimated to have occurred in Lake Huron though the exact number is difficult to pinpoint. Today, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society provides on-going analysis and research into the fate of the ships which still rests at the bottom of the lake.
Research suggests that the worst shipwreck disasters in Lake Huron’s history occurred during the 19th century, when travel by boat was the only form of transportation. The boats were not nearly as sophisticated as they are today and were probably not certified by a government authority, which made them prone to accidents nearly impossible to prevent. Some of the most notable shipwrecks include the Manitou, a schooner which sunk in 1885; and the J.H. Sheadle, a steamer which sank in 1888, with both disasters resulting in the loss of many lives.
In addition to the number of shipwrecks that can be attributed to negligence and human error, the unpredictability of Lake Huron’s weather played a large role in a number of sank ships. Winter storms and waves reaching up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) in height during the summer posed serious risks for ships that ventured out, resulting in underwater catastrophes.
Hazardous Wrecks in the Lake Huron Region
Part of the reason why Lake Huron’s waters are so hazardous has to do with the environment in which the lake sits. The lake is surrounded by numerous shoals, islands, and extensive stretches of shallow water. These shallow areas, combined with the weather conditions, have made the navigation of ships around the lake very tricky, even for experienced captains.
Other factors that have contributed to the number of shipwrecks in Lake Huron include the lakebed itself. The lake bottom is composed of reefs, sand bars and ledges, which present additional underwater hazards to vessels, as ships needed to navigate along specific channels in order to avoid them. This lack of navigational maps and charts furthered the risk of ships sinking.
Preserving the Wrecks of Lake Huron
In an effort to to preserve the historic wrecks in Lake Huron, the non-profit Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has created underwater archaeological preserves for each of the lake’s major shipwrecks. This includes the two most famous shipwrecks in the lake: the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, an ore bulk freighter which sank in 1975, and the M.V. Maass, a luxury passenger liner which sunk in 1844.
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society also organizes undersea exploration trips and documentary film expeditions that focus on the wrecks of Lake Huron, providing a glimpse of its past. The Society’s goal is to help educate people about the underwater wrecks and rescue the stories and legacies of those who died in them.
Research and Documentation of Wrecks in Lake Huron
Because of the difficulty in accurately assessing the number of sunk ships in Lake Huron, scientific research is necessary. Fortunately, efforts to accurately record the shipwrecks in the lake are underway.
The Great Lakes Maritime Institute has been researching shipwrecks in the lake for the past several years, focused primarily on producing an accurate map of wrecks in Lake Huron. The Institute’s data collection includes shipwreck location and type, as well as any other noteworthy features. Researchers say that their data can inform conservation managements plans for Lake Huron, allowing for further protection and preservation of the treasure beneath its surface.
Human Impact on Lake Huron’s Wrecks
In recent years, many of Lake Huron’s wrecks have been subject to plunder or destruction by souvenir hunters and illicit treasure seekers. Some have also been victims of intentional destruction, such as shipwrecks near American and Canadian military outposts which were purposely demolished during the Cold War.
Organizations such as the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society are committed to ensuring that these important relics of the past are preserved in their rightful place at the bottom of Lake Huron. Numerous educational and conservation efforts have been made to not only protect the shipwrecks, but also to educate people about their significance.
Solutions for Preventing Future Shipwrecks in Lake Huron
In order to reduce the risk of future accidents, adequate safety measures must be taken. This includes stricter safety regulations, stronger inspections and making sure that boats abide by the coast guard rules.
Navigation aids, such as lighted buoys, should also be set up around the lake to help captains to navigate more easily around its waters. Additionally, more detailed maps and charts of the lake can be created, helping to prevent ships from unknowingly venturing into treacherous areas.
Conclusion of Shipwrecks in Lake Huron
Lake Huron has always been a treacherous body of water, and it’s estimated that over 1,000 ships have sunk due to accidents caused by nature and human error. Despite advancements in technology, the lake still poses a great risk to vessels navigating its waters, making it important that adequate measures be taken to ensure the safety of vessels and their passengers. Furthermore, it is essential that we preserve the sunken ships which have come before us, so that they can continue to tell their stories and remind us of the brave lives lost at sea.
