Shipwreck hunters have made a significant discovery in Lake Superior, uncovering the wreckage of a merchant ship that sank in 1940. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, in collaboration with shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain, announced the find on Monday. The ship, named the Arlington, went down during a fierce storm off Michigan's Upper Peninsula, claiming the life of its captain, Frederick 'Tatey Bug' Burke.
The 244-foot bulk carrier set sail from Port Arthur, Ontario, on April 30, 1940, loaded with wheat and bound for Owen Sound, Ontario. As the Arlington made its way across Lake Superior alongside a larger freighter called the Collingwood, the ships encountered thick fog followed by a violent storm after nightfall. The treacherous weather took its toll on both vessels, with the Arlington starting to take on water.
During the ordeal, the Arlington's first mate suggested hugging the Canadian North Shore to seek shelter from the wind and waves. However, Captain Burke overruled this course of action and ordered the ship back into the open lake. Unfortunately, the Arlington could not withstand the worsening conditions, and early on May 1, 1940, it began to sink. The ship's chief engineer sounded the alarm while the crew, fearing for their lives, began to abandon ship without orders from Captain Burke.
Although all crew members managed to reach the safety of the Collingwood, Captain Burke did not make it. He was last seen near the pilothouse of the sinking vessel, waving at the Collingwood just moments before the Arlington disappeared beneath the surface of Lake Superior. The reasons behind Captain Burke's decision are unknown, leaving the crew and researchers puzzled.
The recent discovery of the Arlington has shed light on this maritime tragedy. Shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain, a resident of Negaunee, Michigan, has been conducting remote sensing operations in Lake Superior for about a decade. Last year, he presented the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society with a potential target near the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, leading to the finding of the Arlington.
Bruce Lynn, the executive director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, expressed his gratitude to Fountain, highlighting the challenge of identifying significant targets among the countless possibilities in the vast lake. With the Arlington, they have not only uncovered a shipwreck but also a captivating story.
The discovery of the Arlington adds to the rich history of Lake Superior and brings closure to the family of Captain Frederick Burke. Shipwrecks like these serve as poignant reminders of the dangers faced by sailors throughout history. As the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and researchers like Dan Fountain continue their work, they contribute to preserving the memory of these lost vessels and the brave souls who sailed them.
