Three Disastrous Anniversaries

This year is the anniversary of several significant Great Lakes maritime disasters. Join us for a three-part program exploring a few of these significant losses.

Perhaps most clearly remembered today is the loss of the bulk-carrier Carl D. Bradley in Lake Michigan on November 18, 1958. Of the 35 crewmen, only two survived. Sadly, 23 of the sailors lost that night hailed from Rogers City, Michigan, and the shipwreck devastated that town. Frank Mays, the lone remaining survivor, will discuss the tragedy with amateur historian Jeffrey Brasie. Underwater footage of the wreck will illustrate the program.

During World War I, a foundry in Fort William (today Thunder Bay) Ontario built three minesweepers for the French navy. On their maiden voyage to Sault Ste. Marie a century ago, two of the vessels foundered in a November storm. The 74 men who perished represent the greatest single loss of life on Lake Superior. This disaster will be explained by Detroit Historical Society Senior Curator Joel Stone.

When it comes to marine disasters, few years were as bad as 1868. As commerce around the lakes rebounded from years of war, a series of storms, collisions and explosions claimed more than 15 vessels and over 200 mariners and passengers. Historian Mac McAdam will examine the long list of wrecks and put the year in perspective.

This program is produced in partnership with the Great Lakes Maritime Institute.