1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Inkerman was a Navarin-class minesweeper built in 1918 at the Canada Car and Foundry in Fort William, Ontario. This class of minesweepers was designed specifically for clearing naval mines in the English Channel. The vessel was 140 feet (42.7 meters) in length and had a displacement of 630 tons. It was constructed with a steel-framed wooden hull, divided into four watertight compartments, and was equipped with twin screws, a single funnel, and two 100 mm (4 in) deck guns. The vessel was capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) and was also designed to function as a fishing trawler after the war.
3. HISTORY #
The Inkerman, along with its sister ships Cerisoles and Sebastopol, embarked on its maiden voyage from Fort William, Ontario, in mid-November 1918, destined for the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The ships were crewed by 76 French sailors and accompanied by two experienced Canadian captains, Capt. R. Wilson and W.J. Murphy. As they traversed Lake Superior, the vessels encountered a severe blizzard, with winds recorded at 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) and waves reaching heights of 30 feet (9.1 meters).
During the storm, the Sebastopol managed to survive the ordeal and reached Sault Ste. Marie after two grueling days. However, the Inkerman and Cerisoles were not so fortunate. They vanished in the storm, leaving behind no trace of their whereabouts. Initial rumors suggested that the vessels might have passed through the locks undetected, continuing toward the St. Lawrence River, but it soon became evident that the ships were lost.
A search operation was launched on December 3, 1918, but due to wartime censorship, the effort remained relatively small, and the public was unaware of the tragedy until after the war had ended.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The exact fate of the Inkerman and its sister ship, Cerisoles, remains a mystery. The vessels were lost during the storm on Lake Superior in November 1918, and despite search efforts, no wreckage or remains have been discovered to date. Theories regarding their disappearance include the possibility of the ships striking the uncharted Superior Shoal or succumbing to the sheer power of the storm. Some suggest that the use of wooden plugs in their construction, potentially due to funding constraints during the war, may have contributed to their sinking.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Inkerman. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, making it a continued subject of interest for researchers and historians.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreckage of the Inkerman has not been located, and its final resting place remains one of the enduring mysteries of Lake Superior. The ship was last seen in November 1918 during a severe storm, and search efforts have yet to yield any conclusive results.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Since the wreck of the Inkerman has not been found, the condition and accessibility of the vessel remain unknown. The search continues, with the most recent expedition organized by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in 2023, utilizing modern technology in hopes of finally discovering the wreck.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The disappearance of the Inkerman and Cerisoles represents one of the most tragic and mysterious losses on Lake Superior. The lack of any physical evidence, such as wreckage or debris, has fueled speculation and theories about their fate. The ongoing search efforts reflect the enduring fascination with this maritime mystery and the desire to bring closure to the story of the Inkerman and its crew.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Given that the wreck of the Inkerman has not yet been located, no specific diving recommendations can be made. However, if the wreck were to be found, it would likely require advanced technical diving skills due to the potential depth and challenging conditions of Lake Superior.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 20th Century
- Minesweeper
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The story of the Inkerman, a French Navy minesweeper lost during its delivery voyage in 1918, remains one of Lake Superior’s most enduring mysteries. Despite numerous search efforts, the wreck has never been found, leaving behind unanswered questions and a legacy of loss. The Inkerman’s disappearance continues to captivate the imagination of historians, researchers, and maritime enthusiasts, representing the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during times of war and peace.
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