Tragedy and Mystery: The Sinking of the Cedarville #
The Great Lakes have witnessed countless shipwrecks throughout history, each with its own unique story. Among them, the sinking of the Cedarville stands out as a tragic event that unfolded in the waters of Lake Huron. This feature article delves into the details of the Cedarvilles construction, its fateful collision, the lives lost, and the mysteries that still surround this haunting shipwreck.
The Cedarville, initially named A.F. Harvey, was built in 1927 at the renowned Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan. At a length of 580 feet, a beam of 60 feet, and a depth of 32 feet, the steel-hulled bulk freighter boasted impressive dimensions. Owned by the Pittsburgh Steamship Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel Corporation, the A.F. Harvey served as a reliable workhorse for several decades.
In 1957, the A.F. Harvey underwent a significant transformation. The vessel was converted into a self-unloader at the DeFoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the newly renamed Cedarville became capable of unloading its cargo of limestone independently. This modification significantly increased its efficiency and cargo-handling capabilities.
On May 7, 1965, the Cedarville embarked on what would be its final journey. Laden with limestone, the freighter set sail on Lake Huron. Tragically, the vessel encountered dense fog, reducing visibility to near-zero conditions. Moving at a high speed, the Cedarville collided with the Norwegian freighter Topdalsfjord around 9:50 am, just three miles east of the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
The impact of the collision proved catastrophic for the Cedarville. The vessel rapidly began to sink, leaving little time for the crew to react. In the chaos that ensued, the German motor vessel Weissenburg, in the vicinity, managed to rescue the survivors. Sadly, ten lives were lost in the tragedy, forever altering the course of their families’ lives.
In the aftermath of the collision, an investigation held the Cedarville primarily responsible for the accident. However, the exact circumstances leading to the collision, such as the role of the fog and navigational errors, continue to be debated. The wreck of the Cedarville, resting at a depth of approximately 120 feet, has become a popular dive site. Divers are drawn to explore the remnants of this tragic event, yet some have met their own unfortunate fate while attempting to uncover its secrets.
Despite decades passing since the sinking, the Cedarville still holds mysteries waiting to be unraveled. In 1976, a crewman’s remains were unexpectedly recovered from the wreck by a local dive shop owner. The discovery brought new questions and intensified the air of mystery surrounding the vessel. Additionally, in September 2003 and August 2006, more lives were lost as divers ventured to explore the Cedarville, highlighting the dangers and risks associated with such expeditions.
The sinking of the Cedarville remains etched in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history as a tragic event that claimed ten lives and left lasting scars on families and communities. As sport divers continue to be drawn to this haunting wreck, it serves as a reminder of the perils that lie beneath the surface and the enduring mysteries that shroud this ill-fated vessel. The Cedarville’s story stands as a testament to the power and unpredictability of the Great Lakes, leaving us to contemplate the depths of their hidden secrets. The Cedarville tragedy in the Straits of Mackinac serves as a solemn reminder of the risks involved in maritime navigation and the need for constant vigilance in the face of challenging conditions.
