Western Reserve Shipwreck Discovered in Lake Superior

After 132 years, the final resting place of the 300-foot steel steamer Western Reserve has been discovered roughly 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point in Lake Superior.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS), using Marine Sonic Technology side-scan sonar aboard the non-profit’s research vessel, David Boyd, made the initial discovery in late summer 2024. Subsequent ROV (remotely operated vehicle) deployments confirmed the identity of the shipwreck, revealing a ship broken in two, with the bow section resting on top of the stern in approximately 600 feet of water.

Western Reserve, one of the first all-steel vessels on the Great Lakes, was built to break cargo shipping records and was deemed one of the safest ships afloat. One newspaper called her “the inland greyhound” for her outright speed on the lakes. Western Reserve was owned by millionaire Captain Peter G. Minch, a highly respected shipping magnate.

The ship sank on August 30, 1892, with only one survivor, Wheelsman Harry W. Stewart of Algonac, Michigan. Twenty seven lives were lost aboard, including Minch, his wife, two young children, sister-in-law and her daughter.

For more info, visit shipwreckmuseum.com.