These ships disappeared in Lake Superior a century ago. Watch as they’re found again
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has made significant strides in maritime archaeology by locating two of the three ships that sank during a catastrophic storm in Lake Superior over a century ago. This storm, which occurred in November 1920, was one of the deadliest in the region’s history, claiming numerous vessels and lives. The society’s discoveries, made in 2021 and 2022, not only shed light on the maritime history of the Great Lakes but also highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve and understand the region’s nautical past.
The first ship, the *M. D. Anderson*, was located in 2021, resting at a depth of approximately 600 feet. This vessel had been carrying a cargo of iron ore when it succumbed to the fierce winds and waves of the storm. The second ship, identified as the *H. F. M. Houghton*, was discovered in 2022, lying at a depth of about 500 feet. Both wrecks are remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Superior, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and marine life that typically accelerate deterioration. The society’s team utilized advanced sonar technology and underwater robotics to locate these wrecks, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern techniques in underwater exploration.
The search for the third ship, the *William C. Moreland*, continues, as researchers aim to complete the historical narrative of this tragic event. The discoveries have not only piqued the interest of historians and maritime enthusiasts but also serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. With over 6,000 shipwrecks recorded in these waters, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society is committed to uncovering and preserving these underwater treasures. The ongoing exploration of Lake Superior underscores the importance of maritime heritage and the stories that lie beneath the surface, waiting to be told.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJkrAQ6SSsw
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has found two of three ships that sank in the same Lake Superior storm more than a century ago, locating one in 2021 and the other in 2022.
