Explorers uncover the Western Reserve wreckage after decades of searching
- Explorers from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society have identified the wreck of the Western Reserve, which sank in 1892.
- The ship was among the first all-steel cargo ships on the Great Lakes and succumbed to a storm while entering Whitefish Bay.
- This discovery highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve maritime history and raises awareness of the dangers of the Great Lakes.
In July, a significant discovery was made off Michigan's Upper Peninsula when explorers from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society located the wreckage of the Western Reserve, a 300-foot freighter that tragically sank in 1892 during a storm in Lake Superior. The ship was one of the first all-steel cargo vessels to navigate the Great Lakes and was thought to be technologically advanced for its time. Unfortunately, it was caught in a fierce gale while transiting Whitefish Bay, leaving it light and vulnerable, which ultimately led to its breaking in half. This incident resulted in the loss of 27 lives. Darryl Ertel and his brother, Dan Ertel, dedicated over two years to searching for the wreck, using a side-scanning sonar array which proved successful when they identified a significant object submerged in 600 feet of water, resembling a sunken ship. After verifying the imaging, they confirmed the wreck was indeed that of the Western Reserve, now found about 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. Their search had been significantly impacted by busy ship traffic that day, necessitating a deviation from their planned route, yet the determination of the Ertel brothers paid off as they spotted the remnants of the ship. The discovery was met with excitement and reflections from Bruce Lynn, the society's executive director, who commented on the emotional weight of uncovering evidence of a ship that sank so far from shore. This situation served as a reminder of the dangers posed by the Great Lakes, which are notorious for their unpredictable weather and treacherous conditions. Many ships have succumbed to similar fate across these waters, highlighting the rich maritime history and dangers that define the Great Lakes region. The wreck, though damaged, was noted to be relatively well-preserved due to the cold fresh water of the lake, offering hopes for historical preservation efforts. This finding not only contributes to the ongoing exploration of maritime history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the past where technology, natural forces, and human lives intersected in often tragic ways.