1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CERISOLES was a “Naravin”-class minesweeper built in 1918 by Canada Car & Foundry in Fort William, Ontario, for the French Navy. Constructed primarily of wood, though possibly with a steel frame, the vessel was 143 feet (43.6 meters) in length and had a displacement of 630 tons. As a minesweeper, the CERISOLES was designed to detect and remove naval mines, making it an important asset during World War I. Its construction and design were typical of naval vessels of the period, optimized for both durability and operational effectiveness in coastal and open-water environments.
3. HISTORY #
The CERISOLES was one of several minesweepers built in Canada during World War I for delivery to the French Navy. In late 1918, the ship embarked on its delivery voyage across Lake Superior, accompanied by two sister ships, INKERMAN and SEBASTOPOL. These vessels were crucial to the war effort, intended for use in clearing mines from European waters.
However, during the crossing, the ships encountered a severe storm on Lake Superior. The storm, characterized by high winds and massive waves, caused the three minesweepers to lose sight of one another. Despite the ships’ sturdy construction, the CERISOLES and INKERMAN were never seen again. The SEBASTOPOL managed to survive the ordeal, but no trace of the other two ships was found.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CERISOLES vanished during a violent storm on Lake Superior in 1918, and its exact fate remains a mystery. It is widely speculated that the ship may have struck Superior Shoal, an uncharted underwater pinnacle in the middle of the lake. This theory is supported by the fact that no wreckage or remains of the CERISOLES or INKERMAN were ever recovered, despite extensive search efforts over the years. The loss resulted in the deaths of all 38 crew members aboard the CERISOLES, making it one of the most tragic shipwrecks in the history of the Great Lakes.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the CERISOLES. The location of the wreck is unknown, and it remains one of the many mysteries of Lake Superior.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the CERISOLES has never been located. Numerous search efforts, including an extensive expedition by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in 2017, have failed to uncover any definitive evidence of the ship’s resting place.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Since the CERISOLES has never been found, its current condition and accessibility are unknown. The ship is presumed to be in deep water, possibly near Superior Shoal, which would make any potential wreck site difficult to access and explore.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Website
- Superior Shoal Research: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The loss of the CERISOLES and its sister ship INKERMAN remains one of the greatest maritime mysteries on Lake Superior. The uncharted and dangerous nature of the lake, particularly around areas like Superior Shoal, has contributed to the difficulty in locating the wreck. The story of the CERISOLES is a sobering reminder of the perils faced by those who navigated these treacherous waters during wartime. Despite modern technology and extensive searches, the exact fate of the CERISOLES continues to elude discovery.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Given that the wreck of the CERISOLES has not been located, diving is not possible. If the wreck were to be found, it would likely be in deep and potentially hazardous waters, requiring advanced technical diving skills and significant preparation. Any discovery would necessitate careful preservation efforts to respect the historical and human significance of the site.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 20th Century
- Minesweeper
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- World War I
CONCLUSION #
The disappearance of the minesweeper CERISOLES during its 1918 delivery voyage remains one of Lake Superior’s most tragic and enduring mysteries. Built for the French Navy and lost without a trace, the CERISOLES and its crew of 38 men symbolize the dangers of naval service during a tumultuous period in history. The ongoing efforts to locate the wreck reflect both the historical importance of the vessel and the continued intrigue surrounding its loss.
