Shotline Diving

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Cerisoles (1918)

Explore the mystery of the CERISOLES, a minesweeper lost in Lake Superior during a storm in 1918, with no trace ever found.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: CERISOLES
  • Type: Propeller "Naravin"-Class Minesweeper
  • Year Built: 1918
  • Builder: Canada Car & Foundry
  • Dimensions: 143 ft (43.6 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 630 tons
  • Location: Lake Superior, presumed lost near Superior Shoal
  • Coordinates: Not available
  • Original Owners: French Navy

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

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.

Description

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.

History

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.

Significant Incidents

  • The CERISOLES was lost during a storm on Lake Superior in 1918.
  • It was part of a delivery voyage with sister ships INKERMAN and SEBASTOPOL.
  • All 38 crew members aboard the CERISOLES perished in the incident.

Final Disposition

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.

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.

Resources & Links

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.