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 ferocious storm on Lake Superior over a century ago. This remarkable discovery sheds light on a tragic event from November 1913, when a powerful storm wreaked havoc across the Great Lakes, claiming the lives of 250 sailors and resulting in the loss of more than a dozen vessels. Among these was the “S.S. Edwin H. Gott,” found in 2021, and the “S.S. John L. Rutledge,” located a year later in 2022. Both ships were part of a fleet that faced the relentless forces of nature, and their wrecks serve as poignant reminders of the perilous conditions faced by mariners in that era.
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, utilized advanced underwater technology and sonar mapping to locate these vessels, which lie at depths of approximately 500 feet. The discoveries have not only provided historical context but also offer a glimpse into the shipbuilding techniques and maritime practices of the early 20th century. The “S.S. Edwin H. Gott,” a bulk freighter that was launched in 1898, was found remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the ship’s structure and cargo holds. Similarly, the “S.S. John L. Rutledge,” once a formidable steel-hulled freighter, is believed to have been carrying iron ore when it sank, and its wreckage has become a significant point of interest for historians and divers alike.
These findings are not just archaeological triumphs; they also highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. The storm of 1913, often referred to as the “Big Blow,” remains one of the most catastrophic events in the region’s history, and the shipwrecks serve as a testament to the human stories intertwined with these maritime disasters. As the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society continues its work, the hope is to further explore and document the remaining shipwrecks from that fateful storm, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Great Lakes’ nautical history and the resilience of those who navigated its treacherous waters.
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.
