132 Years Lost to History

After a century of obscurity, the wreck of the Western Reserve, a steamship that sank in 1892, has been rediscovered in the depths of Lake Superior. This significant find occurred approximately 60 miles from Whitefish Point, thanks to the efforts of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.

How the Wreck Was Discovered

Utilizing advanced Marine Sonic Technology side-scan sonar aboard a research vessel, explorers identified the wreckage. David Boyd led the initial discovery in late summer 2024. Following this, a remotely operated vehicle was deployed, allowing the team to capture images and assess the ship’s condition as a large piece separated into two distinct sections—its bow and stern.

The Significance of the Western Reserve

Constructed as the first all-steel vessel on the Great Lakes, the Western Reserve was designed to achieve unprecedented shipping speeds. It earned the nickname “Inland Greyhound” for its swift performance across the lakes, heralding a new era in cargo transport.

A Tragic Voyage

The Western Reserve was owned by Captain Peter G. Minch, a prominent figure in the shipping industry. On August 30, 1892, Minch embarked on a late-summer excursion with family and crew, navigating Lake Huron towards Two Harbors, Minnesota. However, their journey quickly turned perilous as adverse weather conditions emerged in Whitefish Bay.

As the storm intensified, the crew was forced to drop anchor. Unfortunately, their decision to lift the anchor prematurely led them into the heart of the tempest. By approximately 9 p.m., the ship began to disintegrate and sink. Within ten minutes, the vessel was lost, leaving the Minch family and a small group of crew members in a single lifeboat.

Survival Against All Odds

The lifeboat had initially launched two vessels, but one capsized, resulting in the tragic loss of many aboard. Ultimately, only two crew members survived, along with Captain Minch’s family. They endured ten grueling hours in turbulent conditions, unable to attract the attention of passing vessels.

At around 7:30 a.m. the following day, the lifeboat, perilously close to shore, overturned in rough waves, leading to the drowning of 27 individuals. Harry W. Stewart was the only survivor who could recount the fateful events.

Reflections on Great Lakes Dangers

Bruce Lynn, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, commented, “It is hard to imagine that Captain Peter G. Minch would have foreseen any trouble when he invited his wife, two young children, and sister-in-law with her daughter aboard the Western Reserve for a summer cruise up the lakes. It just reinforces how dangerous the Great Lakes can be…any time of year.”