Ship Found At The Bottom Of Lake Superior After 130 Years

A recent discovery that took place in the Lake Superior has sent us for a loop. The Atlanta, a barge that sank over 100 years ago, has now been discovered at the bottom of the lake.

This barge was assumed to be lost forever, as it sank all the way back in 1891. Corey Adkins from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society took to the airwaves to discuss the find in further detail.

https://www.facebook.com/GLShipwreckMuseum/photos/pcb.10159666788248788/10159666785398788

He had a sit down with FOX 17 Morning News, where they went back and forth about the incredible discovery that was made. When the barge was first found, it was sitting in 650 feet of water about 35 miles off Deer Park, Michigan.

On May 4, 1891, the barge was initially upbound with a load of coal in tow of the steamer Wilhelm. A northwest gale snagged both of the vessels and they were doomed from there. The towline snapped but the crew was able to make their way to the lifeboat.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society states that the crew rowed for several hours before they were finally able to come into contact with the Crisp Point Life-Saving Station. Unfortunately, the boat overturned while they were making their way to the station. Only two of the crew members were able to make their way back to safety.

As for the ship itself, it is one of the most beautifully preserved shipwrecks that you are ever going to see. Bruce Lynn, who serves as the executive director of the GLSHS, has more.

In a press release, Lynn stated: “It is rare that we find a shipwreck that so clearly announces what it is and the name-board of the Atlanta really stands out. It is truly ornate, and still beautiful after 130 years on the bottom of Lake Superior.”

The historical society shared photos of the wreck on Facebook. You can see how well preserved the ship is, even after all this time:

https://www.facebook.com/GLShipwreckMuseum/posts/10159666788248788

This is the sort of story that has to be seen to be believed. We never would have expected a ship that has been submerged for this long to reemerge in such amazing condition but crazier things have happened.

Check out footage from the wreck in the video below:

To hear the full interview with FOX 17 Morning News, watch the segment below: