The S.R. Kirby was last seen sinking in a wicked Lake Superior spring storm. Now, 103 years later, the ship’s final resting place has been discovered. According to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, which confirmed the discovery last month, the ship’s remains were located in about 800 feet of water off the coast of Eagle Harbor, in Michigan.
Witnesses on nearby boats saw the weighted-down Kirby struggling in the storm before sinking in less than a minute. According to records there were 22 men on board, only two survived -- plus the captain’s dog, who was rescued by the Eagle Harbor Coast Guard.
Studying these shipwrecks is important to understanding history, specifically Great Lakes shipping from that era.
Maritime Business World