DEER PARK, MI— The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society says a ship that sank 130 years ago in Lake Superior has been discovered.
The wreck of the 172-foot schooner-barge Atlanta was found 35 miles off Deer Park, in Luce County.
The Atlanta sank on May 4, 1891. It was loaded with coal and being towed by the steamer Wilhelm when both vessels got caught in a northwest gale. When the towline snapped, the crew of the Atlanta took to a lifeboat. After rowing for several hours, they eventually came within sight of the Crisp Point Life-Saving Station. Unfortunately, the small boat overturned and only two of the crew made it safely to the beach.
The wreck was found using Side Scan Sonar. Officials say it’s well-preserved. All three masts broke off and are nowhere to be found.
