Shipwreck Hunters Discover Lost Merchant Ship in Lake Superior

The Arlington, a 244-foot bulk carrier, was discovered in 650 feet of water, 60 kilometers north of Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula. The ship sank in a storm in 1940, taking its captain with it.

In a remarkable discovery, shipwreck hunters have found a merchant ship that sank in Lake Superior in 1940, taking its captain with it during a fierce storm off Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain announced the exciting discovery of the 244-foot bulk carrier Arlington, which now rests in approximately 650 feet of water, roughly 60 kilometers north of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.

The Arlington's Fateful Journey

The Arlington's ill-fated journey began on April 30, 1940, when it departed from Port Arthur, Ontario, fully loaded with wheat and bound for Owen Sound, Ontario. Under the command of Captain Frederick Tatey Bug Burke, a seasoned veteran of the Great Lakes, the ship set sail. However, as the Arlington and another larger freighter, the Collingwood, made their way across Lake Superior, they encountered dense fog and a treacherous storm after nightfall. The Arlington, battling the harsh conditions, began to take on water.

Captain Burke's Controversial Decision

In an attempt to find some respite from the wind and waves, the Arlington's first mate ordered the ship to hug the Canadian North Shore, which offered some protection. However, Captain Burke, in a puzzling decision, countermanded the order and directed his ship back onto a course across the open lake, exposing it to the full force of the storm.

Tragic Loss of Captain Burke

Early on May 1, 1940, the Arlington's fate took a tragic turn as the ship began to sink. The chief engineer sounded the alarm, prompting the crew to abandon ship, fearing for their lives. Tragically, Captain Burke remained on board, last seen near the pilothouse waving at the Collingwood just minutes before the Arlington vanished into the depths of the lake.

Solving a Lake Superior Mystery

The shipwreck society expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind Captain Burke's actions, leaving the mystery of his decisions unsolved. Nevertheless, the discovery of the Arlington brings closure to a chapter in Lake Superior's history. Dan Fountain, a resident of Negaunee, Michigan, and a dedicated shipwreck researcher, played a crucial role in locating the Arlington after years of remote sensing in the lake.

Collaboration and Discovery

Fountain approached the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society with a potential target near the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, leading to the discovery of the Arlington last year. Bruce Lynn, the society's executive director, emphasized the significance of Fountain's contribution, acknowledging that not all targets yield results, but in this case, it led to the discovery of a shipwreck with a captivating and enigmatic story.

The discovery of the Arlington stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of shipwreck researchers like Dan Fountain and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Their efforts shed light on the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes region, unraveling the mysteries that lie beneath the water's surface and paying tribute to those who lost their lives at sea.