The discovery of a shipwreck dating back more than a century in Lake Superior was recently announced by historians in Michigan. The Adella Shores, a wooden steamship built in 1894, disappeared in May 1909 while carrying salt to Duluth, Minnesota, and none of the ship’s 14 sailors were ever heard from again. The wreck was located by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society in the summer of 2021 using side-scan sonar technology, revealing the remains of the ship’s boiler, cargo hold, and more. Despite finding debris from the ship, there was no sign of the sailors’ remains.
Bruce E. Lynn, executive director of the GLSHS, explained that shipwrecks in the Great Lakes were quite common due to various factors, including unpredictable weather conditions and reduced visibility leading to collisions. The Adella Shores had previously sunk twice due to ice at docks, but it is believed that a storm caused its final shipwreck in 1909. Lynn highlighted that ships like the Adella Shores did not have radar or GPS, making navigation more challenging, especially in low visibility situations. It is estimated that there are between 6,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, with many still yet to be discovered.
Historians waited until the 115th commemoration of the Adella Shores’ disappearance before announcing the discovery of the shipwreck, which had been found a few years earlier. The GLSHS conducts thorough research before revealing such findings to the public, ensuring that each story is told accurately and with respect. Corey Adkins, the communications director of the GLSHS, emphasized that the organization takes its time to prepare press releases, honoring the importance of each shipwreck discovery. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, founded in 1978 by divers, teachers, and educators, is dedicated to exploring historic shipwrecks in Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The GLSHS operates two museum sites dedicated to preserving the history of shipwrecks and maritime heritage in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is located at the Whitefish Point Light Station, while the U.S. Weather Bureau Building is situated at Soo Locks Park in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. The organization conducts research, exploration, and preservation of historic shipwrecks, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Through their efforts, the GLSHS aims to educate the public about the significance of shipwrecks and the stories they hold, honoring the memory of sailors and vessels lost to the depths of the lakes.
The discovery of the Adella Shores shipwreck sheds light on the dangers faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story of the wooden steamship serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions and perils of maritime travel during that era, with unpredictable weather and limited navigation technology contributing to frequent shipwrecks. The efforts of organizations like the GLSHS to uncover, research, and preserve shipwrecks play a vital role in commemorating the lives lost at sea and preserving the maritime history of the region for future generations. As more shipwrecks are discovered and their stories shared, a greater understanding of the challenges faced by sailors on the Great Lakes continues to emerge.
