Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, and also the deepest in North America. Over the centuries, hundreds of ships have traversed its waters, including some of the most historic vessels in the world. While many of these ships safely completed their journeys, numerous shipwrecks have occurred, taking their place on the bottom of the lake. But just how many shipwrecks are on the bottom of Lake Superior?
One of the best sources of information on this subject is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. According to their estimates, there are about 156 known shipwrecks in the deeper waters of Lake Superior. The area around Isle Royal National Park, a collection of islands off the coast of Minnesota, is particularly hazardous due to its shallow depth, unpredictable weather and heavy traffic. This region is home to around 50 shipwrecks, the earliest being the SS Seymour, a canal schooner that sunk in 1880. This figure increases when the number of smaller ships and boats, such as fishing vessels and recreational boats, are taken into account, with the estimates suggesting these make up another 200 to 300 wrecks.
The problem with shipwrecks in Lake Superior lies in the fact that most were not aware they were missing until they were discovered decades and sometimes centuries later. Ships simply vanished, their crews taking the secrets of their sinking to the grave. This was especially true of the earlier vessels, which lacked the technology of today’s ships, like GPS and radar. Only when sonar technology was developed did people begin to understand the full scale of the shipwrecks on Lake Superior.
It is estimated that a further 500 to 1,000 ships may lie in the depths of the lake that have not been discovered yet. Many of these wrecks are located in areas with difficult underwater terrain or in deeper water, making them difficult (if not impossible) to explore. In fact, experts have suggested that some of the great lakes may never be fully explored.
Due to the harsh environment of Lake Superior, the shipwrecks are also deteriorating more quickly than other lakes. Various factors contribute to this, such as rapid weather changes, intense winds and currents, and even the waves created by passing ships. This ticking clock means that now is the best chance to explore and documentary the wrecks, at least the ones we know about.
Limits of Technology
The biggest challenge facing the exploration of shipwrecks on Lake Superior is the limits of current technology. While underwater drones and other sophisticated pieces of equipment have made it possible to explore deeper wrecks, some of the shallower wrecks still remain out of reach. This is because of the strong currents and waves present on the lake, which can make it difficult or even dangerous for divers to explore wrecks. Additionally, the lake’s notoriously cold temperatures can make it difficult for divers to stay underwater for long enough to adequately explore.
The limited technology also makes it difficult for researchers to locate the wrecks that have not yet been discovered. Many of them are located in areas where the depth is too great, preventing the use of sonar or other methods of scanning the lake floor. Teams of scientists and researchers are working to develop the technology that would allow the exploration of these ships, though it may be many years before they are truly discovered.
Preservation Plans
Once the shipwrecks are located and documented, the next step is to preserve them. This is no easy task, as the targets are often submerged in deep water and are subject to the constant pressure of the lake. However, some team have taken it upon themselves to try to preserve some of the more notable ships like the SS Ironton, which sank in 1898. The Ironton was raised from the depths of the lake and is now in dry dock, where experts are working to preserve her for future generations.
Other teams have taken a different approach and have focused on the smaller vessels. These wrecks, even if they do not have the historical significance of the bigger ships, can still provide insight into the era in which they were built.
These preservation efforts have been met with enthusiasm from both marine archaeologists and the public alike. People around the world have been riveted by the stories that these wrecks can tell, and teams of researchers have been inspired to further their efforts in preserving these sites. To this end, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has been a driving force in the preservation of shipwrecks on Lake Superior.
Educational Value
The final element of the shipwrecks on Lake Superior is the educational value they possess. As mentioned earlier, these wrecks can provide insight into the lives of those who lived and worked on the ships. For instance, the remains of the SS Ironton reveal details about how the ship was constructed and how advanced its technology was for the time. Archaeologists have also been able to discover the types of goods that were carried by the ships and what their journeys looked like.
This information has been invaluable to students, historians, and the general public alike. The stories behind the shipwrecks provide a unique insight into the past and connect us to those who lived and worked on the ships centuries ago. These ships also provide an opportunity to teach people about the importance of maritime history and the impact it has on our lives.
Impact of Climate Change
It’s not just technology and preservation efforts that are going to have an impact on the shipwrecks on Lake Superior. The effects of climate change and rising water levels are also a major concern. Scientists are predicting that the lake will continue to rise in the coming decades, which could have a serious impact on the shipwrecks in the lake. Many are concerned that these wrecks, which are already deteriorating due to natural causes, may be swept away if the lake continues to rise.
Although there is not much that can be done to prevent this, some teams are trying to document as much information as possible about the shipwrecks. This includes photographic evidence, as well as detailed descriptions of the ships. This will provide a record of the ships before they are lost to the lake.
The Future of Shipwrecks On Lake Superior
The future of shipwrecks on Lake Superior is uncertain, but researchers are working hard to preserve them for future generations. With the continued use of technology to locate and document these shipwrecks, and the preservation efforts of teams such as the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, there is hope that these wrecks will remain in place for years to come. Additionally, as teams continue to uncover the stories of those who lived and worked on these ships, people around the world will have access to a unique and invaluable piece of history.
