Ship That Had Sunk 80 Years Ago With Its Captain Aboard Found In US Lake

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has made a remarkable discovery beneath the depths of Lake Superior, uncovering a World War II-era shipwreck resting over 600 feet below the surface. The wreck, identified as the Arlington, a 244-foot bulk carrier, was found approximately 35 miles north of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Researcher Dan Fountain announced the exciting news on Monday, February 12.

This is the Arlington, a ship that sank in Lake Superior in 1940. It was rediscovered off the coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula, 600 feet below the surface. pic.twitter.com/phT5BImFlg

¡ª NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) February 14, 2024

The ship sank in 1940

On April 30, 1940, the Arlington, laden with a cargo of wheat destined from Port Arthur to Owen Sound in Ontario, Canada, found itself battling a ferocious storm on Lake Superior. The weather took its toll not only on the Arlington but also on its companion ship, the Collingwood, which was navigating alongside it.

As the storm raged on, the first mate of the Arlington proposed a prudent course of action: altering their route to seek refuge near the Canadian North Shore. However, Captain Frederick ¡°Tatey Bug¡± Burke opted to press on along the original path across the open expanse of the lake.

Why the captain chose to stay back on the sinking ship

The society said further on May 1, 1940, the ship started to sink and the chief engineer sounded the alarm. The crew abandoned the ship and were rescued by Collingwood. But maintaining the shipping tradition Captain Frederick "Tatey Bug" Burke went down with the ship. His choice to stay behind is still a mystery, according to the historical society. No one knows if he could have been rescued.

Gilbert later told the Toronto Daily Star that the ship sank quickly and that they barely had time to launch the lifeboats. He also said that the ship was covered in ice and that his hands were frozen from pushing the lifeboats over.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

CNN reported that George Mackery, the son of the first mate, said he was not surprised that Burke stayed on the ship. He described him as a ¡°real sailor type¡± who would never desert a sinking ship. He said he and the other sailors would miss him.

Fountain said that he hoped that finding the Arlington would bring some closure to the family of Burke. He said that it was thrilling to solve one more of the many mysteries of Lake Superior.

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