The Haunting Tale of the JOHN A. MCGEAN: Lost in the Great Storm of 1913, Rediscovered in 1985
On November 9, 1913, the Great Lakes were hit by one of the most devastating storms in their history. The storm, now infamous as the Great Storm of 1913 or the “White Hurricane,” unleashed its fury on the waters, taking numerous vessels and lives in its relentless grip. Among the ships lost in this treacherous tempest was the JOHN A. MCGEAN, a tragic tale of courage and sacrifice that remained shrouded in mystery for over seven decades.
The JOHN A. MCGEAN was a massive steel-hulled bulk freighter, renowned for its size and capacity. On that fateful day, it was on a crucial journey, carrying a valuable cargo of iron ore from Duluth, Minnesota, bound for Cleveland, Ohio. With Captain Edward H. McLeod at the helm and a crew of brave sailors, the ship set out on its perilous voyage.
As the storm swept across Lake Huron, its ferocity intensified, creating massive waves and blinding snow squalls. The JOHN A. MCGEAN valiantly battled the elements, but the forces of nature proved insurmountable. The ship struggled to stay afloat, but it was ultimately overpowered by the relentless onslaught of wind and water.
The vessel’s distress signals echoed across the turbulent lake, but help was unable to reach the beleaguered crew in time. As the storm raged on, the JOHN A. MCGEAN succumbed to its wrath, sinking into the depths of Lake Huron. All 29 crew members aboard the ship lost their lives that tragic day, leaving behind grieving families and a void in the hearts of their loved ones.
For decades, the wreckage of the JOHN A. MCGEAN remained hidden beneath the waters, its exact location unknown. It was not until 1985 that a breakthrough occurred when the shipwreck was finally discovered off Harbor Beach, Michigan. The serendipitous find brought the story of the ill-fated vessel back into the limelight, stirring emotions and memories of the tragic event.
The discovery of the JOHN A. MCGEAN provided some closure to the families of the lost crew members, who had lived with uncertainty and grief for over 70 years. It also offered valuable insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes, shedding light on the challenges faced by sailors who braved these treacherous waters.
Today, the wreckage of the JOHN A. MCGEAN lies as a somber memorial to the brave souls who perished in the Great Storm of 1913. The shipwreck serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the risks faced by those who dared to venture across the vast expanse of the Great Lakes.
The haunting tale of the JOHN A. MCGEAN continues to captivate the imagination, a poignant reminder of the perils and mysteries that lie beneath the waters of Lake Huron. As the shipwreck remains submerged, it stands as a silent witness to the bravery and sacrifices of the sailors who braved the tempestuous waves of the Great Lakes over a century ago.
