- Researchers in Michigan have discovered two shipwrecks in Lake Superior. They hope this discovery will help them find a third.
- In 1914, while carrying lumber across the lake, a storm blew and the ship disappeared.
- Scientists are the first people to see the ship in 109 years.
CHICAGO (AP) — Researchers in Michigan have discovered the wreckage of two ships that disappeared into Lake Superior in 1914. It is hoped that this discovery led to her third ship sinking at the same time, killing about 30 people aboard the three timber carriers. .
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society announced the find this month after confirming details with other researchers. Association board member and maritime historian Rick Mixter called witnessing the discovery a “career highlight.”
“It introduced a team of historians who have not only solved the chapters of the country’s darkest days in timber history, but who have dedicated their lives to ensuring these stories are not forgotten.
On November 18, 1914, while moving lumber from Baraga, Michigan to Tonawanda, New York, the ship, owned by the Edward Hines Lumber Company, was caught in a storm and sank in an ice-cold lake. The steamer CF Curtis was towing the schooners Selden E. Marvin and Annie M. Peterson. All 28 people on board were killed.
A team from the Society discovered Curtis wreckage in the summer of 2021, and Marvin within miles of the initial discovery a year later. The organization operates a museum at Whitefish Point and conducts regular shipwreck searches aimed at telling “the lost history of all the Great Lakes” with a focus on Lake Superior. said Corey Adkins, the association’s content and communications director.
“One of the things that makes us proud when we discover these things is that they help solve the puzzle of what happened to these 28 people.” There may still be families who want to know what happened, and we can start answering those questions.”
Both wrecks were found about 20 miles (32 km) north of Grand Marais, Michigan, Adkins said. Marvin’s bow and Curtis’ stern were also damaged, leaving researchers wondering if the collision was the cause.
“These are all issues we want to look at when we return this summer,” Adkins said.
Video footage from the Curtis wreck showed the steamship’s preserved hull, its wheels, anchors, boilers, and instruments still glowing – all preserved by the cold waters of Lake Superior, along with other artifacts.
Another recording was a video feed filmed by an underwater drone at the barge wreck site that captured the team’s cheers when the words “Selden E. Marvin” on the hull were clearly visible for the first time.
“We are the first human eyes since World War I, since 1914,” thought one team member.