WELLAND—In 2017, two exciting shipwreck discoveries were made in the Great Lakes: the wreck of the steamer Jane Miller lost with all hands in an 1881 storm near Wiarton, in Georgian Bay, and the wreck of the unusually-designed “whaleback” steamer named the Clifton lost with all hands in a 1924 storm in Lake Huron.
The stories of these two major discoveries are part of the annual SHIPWRECKS! show this year, celebrating maritime heritage at Welland on Saturday, April 7.
“Rarely has such an accomplished group of shipwreck researchers and hunters been assembled at one show,” a press release about the event states.
Presenters include David Trotter, who has located more shipwrecks in Lake Huron than any other person, and Jim Kennard, whose many discoveries rank him first in the number of shipwrecks found in Lake Ontario.
Maritime historians Cris Kohl and Joan Forsberg, who have written 15 books about the Great Lakes, will present ‘Shipwreck Tales of Georgian Bay.’
Other presentations will detail the tragic 1958 Great Lakes loss of the freighter Carl D. Bradley, with only two survivors; the dramatic tales of two shipwrecks lost more than 100 years ago; several of the shipwrecks off Kingston; and, for the exotically-minded, shipwrecks of Malaysia!
All of the presenters this year are accomplished historical researchers, skilled underwater photographers/videographers, and dynamic speakers.
SHIPWRECKS! is the largest ships-and-shipwrecks show in Canada, attracting 400-500 plus people (maritime enthusiasts, boat owners, scuba divers, armchair adventurers, etc.) annually.
It is a full-day event, from 9 am to 5 pm, on Saturday, April 7, offering top-notch presentations by well-known experts. This event is held in the auditorium at Centennial High School, 240 Thorold Road, Welland, Ontario. The price of $54 includes a catered, hot, buffet-style lunch on the premises and, since there is no need to leave the building, this gives show attendees a chance to mingle and chat with the presenters and other maritime enthusiasts in attendance.
Tickets can be purchased securely online at
www.niagaradivers.com or by telephone at 416-931-1022, both of which can also provide more information.
