By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-18 12:26:33 | Updated at 2025-03-20 15:36:49
2 days ago
Researchers have discovered the wreck of a historic all-steel ship that sank 132 years ago in Lake Superior in North America.
The Western Reserve was found 600 feet deep off Michigan's Upper Peninsula after a two-year search by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.
The society announced the landmark discovery at a meeting in Wisconsin on Monday.
The ship's tragic sinking in 1892 claimed 27 lives, with only one survivor remaining to tell the tale.
The ship's tragic sinking in 1892 claimed 27 lives, with only one survivor remaining to tell the tale
GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
The vessel once broke the record for carrying the largest load of coal into Milwaukee. It was named after a 3-million-acre area in northeastern Ohio.
The Western Reserve's final voyage began in August 1892 as a summer cruise for millionaire owner Peter G. Minch and his family.
On board were Minch's wife, Anna, their children Charlie, nine, and Florence, six, along with Anna's sister Mary Englebry and her 10-year-old daughter Bertha. The ship's other captain, Albert Myers, had brought his 19-year-old son along as well.
What started as an escape from the summer heat ended in disaster along what is now known as Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast.
The Western Reserve's final voyage began in August 1892 as a summer cruise for millionaire owner Peter G. Minch and his family
GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
The ship had smooth sailing until August 30, when it reached Whitefish Bay and the weather deteriorated.
Despite initial plans to wait out the storm, the crew headed for open water with only ballast water weighing down the ship.
A powerful gale struck around 9pm, breaking the ship apart within 10 minutes. Most crew boarded a metal lifeboat that quickly capsized, while the family took a wooden one.
After drifting for 10 hours and missing rescue from a passing steamship, only wheelsman Harry Stewart survived.
"If it wasn't for Harry Stewart, we really wouldn't know what we know today about the Western Reserve," Lynn said.
The wreck was first detected using sonar aboard the research vessel David Boyd on July 22. Darryl Ertel, director of marine operations, and Dan Ertel, first mate, were the first to spot the ship.
A remotely operated vehicle later confirmed the wreck was indeed the Western Reserve.
"Knowing how the 300-foot Western Reserve was caught in a storm this far from shore made an uneasy feeling in the back of my neck," said Ertel.
The wreck was first detected using sonar aboard the research vessel David Boyd on July 22
GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
The ship's bell remains intact, with many details including paint still visible.
The Great Lakes have witnessed numerous maritime disasters over the centuries.
Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay alone has claimed an estimated 200 or more ships. In Lake Michigan, the passenger ship Lady Elgin sank in 1860, killing more than 300 people.
The Daniel J. Morrell broke apart during a fierce November storm in Lake Huron in 1966, leaving just one survivor.
Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes, contains one of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks globally, with over 2,000 vessels lost.
Only 400 of these wrecks have been found.
