A vessel that had vanished at sea was rediscovered 132 years following its sinking, as revealed by a historical conservation organization earlier this week.
The
Western Reserve
, a 318-foot steel steamship, ran aground 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point.
Lake Superior
On August 30, 1892, the ship encountered a severe storm. Forced to drop anchor due to adverse weather, they waited for an improvement in conditions. However, strong winds prevailed at about 9:00 p.m., leading to the ship breaking apart and sinking.
When the vessel crumpled, 28 individuals were aboard what was formerly nicknamed the “inland greyhound” due to its swiftness. The ship’s proprietor, wealthy maritime tycoon Captain Peter G. Minch, embarked on an end-of-summertime voyage across Lake Huron alongside his kinfolk, aiming for their ultimate stop at Two Harbors, Minnesota.
His spouse, two small kids, sister-in-law, and niece were aboard.
The passengers and crew successfully launched and boarded the life rafts prior to the vessel sinking. However, one of the lifeboats capsized, leading several crew members to fall into the water and vanish below the waves. Those in the remaining lifeboat were able to rescue two of these crewmembers.
The survivors braved the winds and darkness for another ten hours. In the dead of night, a steamer sailed past them. For thirty minutes, passengers yelled desperately, yet their pleas were not heard. The next morning around 7:30 AM, after drifting about a mile west of the Deer Park Life-Saving Station, the family along with the surviving crew had their lifeboat capsize due to crashing waves.
The event led to the fatalities of 27 individuals. Among them, one person stood out—Harry W Stewart from Algonac, Michigan, who was known as the wheelsman and managed to survive.
The
Great Lakes
Shipwreck
The Historical Society revealed the initial finding in late summer of 2024, as they declared on Monday. The team had been searching for the vessel for more than two years.
They were ultimately able to find it utilizing side-scan sonar aboard the nonprofit’s ship, the
David Boyd
Remote operation of vehicles also verified the findings
shipwreck
Its location was disclosed, showing it had split into two pieces, with the forward section perched atop the aft portion approximately 600 feet beneath the surface.
According to the organization, the vessel was among the initial ones constructed entirely from steel on the Great Lakes. Designed for setting new benchmarks in cargo transportation efficiency, it was also recognized as one of the most secure ships during its era.
“Every shipwreck has its own story, but some are just that much more tragic”, said the organization’s Executive Director Bruce Lynn. “It is hard to imagine that Captain Peter G. Minch would have foreseen any trouble when he invited his wife, two young children and sister-in-law with her daughter aboard the
Western Reserve
For a summertime voyage across the Great Lakes.
It only underscores how perilous the Great Lakes can be… at any time of year.
The Great Lakes, encompassing
Lake Superior
Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario have witnessed many shipwrecks because of their severe weather conditions.
Approximately 200 vessels have sunk in Whitefish Bay, which is also the location where the
Western Reserve
shattered. The most prominent incident in the region occurred in 1975 when the SS
Edmund Fitzgerald
, an American cargo ship, ran aground, resulting in 29 fatalities aboard.
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