Large Quantities of Shipwrecks in Lake Superior
Reports from over 400 years of searching in Lake Superior have unveiled the remains of thousands of ships, boats and other vessels which were laid to rest on the sandy, rocky shores or ocean depths of the largest Great Lake. According to sources, the tragedy of shipwrecks continue until this day, with between 10 and 30 newly discovered wrecks every year. Moreover, the majority of these have not been discovered as of yet, resulting in an estimated 200 to 500 more ships still to be found in much deeper waters.
Experts agree that the most commonly documented type of wrecks in the lake are mainly wooden vessels, dating back to the 19th century. The majority of the shipwrecks of these time period were steamers, often used to carry supplies and freight. While most of these vessels have now been salvaged, there are still a few around and often times, these are the most interesting to discover due to their age and historical values.
The cause of these accidents vary from poor navigation, to strong winds and waves, as well as other external factors such as accidental collisions with other ships, or mechanical failures. There have been cases where vessels were capsized due to their size and the amount of freight or people they were carrying. In many cases these tragedies never had a chance to unfold as large parts of them were hit by fog and snow that inhibited visibility leading to their demise.
The most recent shipwreck on Lake Superior, according to historical records was a tugboat, the SS William Edenborn which sunk while transferring coal in the year 1977. This vessel had been in use since 1917 and was involved in actively transporting supplies around the lake until its tragic end. Records state that in total, 13 members of the crew lost their lives in the great tragedy that was the death of the SS William Edenborn.
To this day, some of the remains of the William Edenborn are even visible around the northern part of Lake Superior, where they lay rusting in the open air adding to the impressive shipwreck count within the lake. This experience serves as a warning sign to new sailors to pay attention to the weather conditions, and to be always aware of the strength of the icy waters and the unpredictable swells which can appear in a matter of minutes.
Fatalities on Shipwrecks
In addition to the physical shipwrecks, Lake Superior claims lives in abundance. With over 20,000 documented casualties, the greatest tragedy is that of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a steamboat ferrying iron ore which sunk in 1975. 29 members of the crew never resurfaced from the abyss, leaving behind families and loved ones, grieving an irreplaceable loss.
Although the cause of the SS Ednund Fitzgerald wreck remains unknown to this day, there are theories that speculate the cause. It is thought that the vessel had been filled to capacity prior to setting sail, resulting in its ultimate demise. This is reinforced further by reports that the crew failed to make the necessary navigational corrections to avoid storms prior to the sinking of the ship.
Additionally, experts are well aware that the numerous shipwrecks around the Great Lakes are due to the combination of dangerous weather, namely sudden temperature drops and strong winds, as well as strong waves which can quickly turn into gales, a phenomena well known in this region.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald disaster is synonymous with the region and still serves as a reminder to all sailors in the area of the potential danger Lake Superior can unveil in a matter of seconds. The events still live in the minds of veterans and also as a warning to current and future seafarers who wish to sail on the Great Lakes.
Myths and Legends
Along with the documented shipwrecks come myths and legends, some backed by historical facts, most unsubstantiated rumors, but all having one thing in common – the destruction of vessels from another era. Of the most infamous is the tale of the Grunewald, an 115-year-old steamboat which sank in Lake Superior with a full cargo of iron ore.
It is said that the ship was cursed, and as it trudged its course, the owners were warned of its impending doom, but failed to pay mind to the warnings. Following it, the Grunewald sunk into the depths, claiming the lives of all the passengers on board.
While the fate of Grunewald continues to be a mystery, it’s compelling story gives us more insight into the strong forces at hand at Lake Superior. Its potential danger and unpredictable waves often lead to tragic outcomes, which is why sailors are issued precautionary guidelines before embarking on a voyage.
Digging Up The Past
The history of Lake Superior shipwrecks began in 1679 with the wreck of Le Griffon, the flagship of French Explorer and fur trader Robert Cavelier de La Salle. This vessel sunk shortly after the departure of its crew who, in attempt to find provisions had left the mainland and headed towards their presumed demise.
Today, the most incredible shipwrecks are those that had remained undiscovered until this day. They lie remains in the deep, often untouched and still in intact condition. In 1995 Lake Superior opened its doors to underwater archaeologists who began searching for and studying these shipwrecks.
These brave adventurers were not only able to provide detailed information about the vessels but also uncovered many findings and artifacts, preserved in the dust and sand at the bottom of the lake. These revealed much about life on the waters of Lake Superior written in a language we still do not understand.
The greatest accomplishment however, belonged to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Research & Historical Center (GLS) who have been researching these shipwrecks both in an effort to study history and to provide tourists with an experience they will never forget.
Shipwrecks as Touristy Attractions
The GLS had uncovered evidence that the wrecks around Lake Superior tell a story; a story of when the world was turning faster, its people harder workers, and adventures were the way most were accustomed to life. Due to the GLSs findings, many of these sites have been turned into tourist attractions.
Wreck sites in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario now house museums and educational facilities, where tourists can learn about the vessels, the cargo they were carrying, and even the crew members who used to sail them.
Further to this, the GLS are still excavating many of the shipwrecks and vessels discovered in an attempt to gain more information and provide more potential sites to tourists.
Verified tour guides active in the area have extensive knowledge of the dangers both the lake and its vessels have posed to sailors throughout time and are often employed for the tour to provide educational insight about the dangers of Mother Nature and the ill fate of many legendary ships.
Technology Improving Records
Today, countries and organizations around the world are enhancing their efforts in finding the long-lost vessels of Lake Superior. This is possible thanks to modern technology, which has revolutionized the process of discovery over the past few decades.
Advanced sonar, which can penetrate the depths of up to 100 feet and takes detailed images of the sea bed, has proven to be an invaluable tool in the search for new shipwrecks. Aiding this, unmanned drone technology is used to photograph and map both visible and sunken vessels in an attempt to fully catalog the existent wrecks in the lake.
With a collective government, NGO, and private funding, conservation organizations plan to continue with their efforts to bring the long-lost stories from the abyss in an attempt to preserve the past.
Conclusion
From the secrets of the depths to the infamous SS Edmund Fitzgerald, Lake Superior has held many tales of tragedy. Its clear, cold waters conceal ships and stories from centuries ago, offering us a glimpse into an era when ships like the SS William Edenborn ventured daily through the treacherous routes in an attempt to transport materials and connect two sides of a land.
Today, the majority of the wrecks have been unearthed and salvaged, providing evidence of many talented craftsmanship, daring sailors and heart-gripping stories all across the land. With the help of modern technology and data collected, many of the secrets are being brought back to light.
