The Ship That Disappeared Mysteriously 115 Years Ago With 4 Crew Members On Board Was Found After Decades Of Search. Discover Where It Was And The Secrets Behind This Surprising Discovery!
On May 1, 1909, the wooden steamship Adella Shores was heading toward the icy waters of a large lake in the state of Michigan, United States. It was sailing behind a larger vessel and facing the difficulties of severe weather and waters covered in ice.
After rounding Whitefish Point, located on the northeast coast of the Upper Peninsula in the state of Michigan, the Adella Shores disappeared mysteriously, leaving no sign behind.
There were no witnesses to report what really happened to the vessel, but it is presumed that it faced adverse conditions that led to its sinking. The 14 crew members were never found, and the mystery remained unsolved for over a century.
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Now, 115 years after its disappearance, the ship was located on the bottom of Lake Superior. It was under 650 feet (approx. 198 m) of water, about 40 miles (approx. 64 km) northwest of Whitefish Point.

Adella Shores was built in 1894 – photo: Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society
Finally, The Mystery Has Been Solved
The discovery was made by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, which announced the find during the anniversary of the vessel’s disappearance.
Researchers from the maritime society used side-scan sonar during the summer of 2021 to explore the lakebed for unusual shapes.
Darryl Ertel, the director of maritime operations for the society, was the first to spot something suspicious in the captured images. The location and size of the structure suggested that it could be the Adella Shores.
To confirm the suspicion, the team launched a remote-operated vehicle equipped with underwater cameras. By measuring the length of the ship and comparing its design with historical records, Ertel concluded that it was indeed the Adella Shores. “As soon as I put the ROV on it for the first time, I could see the ship’s design and compare it directly to the Adella Shores,” Ertel explained.
The Superstition Surrounding The Wooden Ship Adella Shores

Adella Shores – photo: Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society
The history of the Adella Shores carries a curious aspect that many would consider a harbinger of bad luck. The ship was built in 1894 in Gibraltar, Michigan, for the Shores Lumber Company. Its name was in honor of the owner’s daughter, Adella.
During the christening ceremony, a common practice among shipbuilders involves breaking a bottle of champagne or wine against the hull of the vessel as a symbol of good luck.
However, Adella’s family had a strict stance against alcohol consumption, and her sister, Bessie, used a bottle of water instead of the traditional alcoholic beverage.
This seemingly insignificant event is said to have sparked superstitions among sailors of the time. Many considered breaking a bottle of champagne or wine an essential ritual to ensure a safe voyage.
The tradition, which dates back to the 18th century, is still common today among cruise lines and shipping companies. Some cultures believed this ritual would attract good luck and protect the ship from disasters at sea.
The Story Revealed After Over A Century
Despite the superstitions, the Adella Shores set out on its final journey in 1909. More than a century later, its story has finally been revealed, and the mystery surrounding its disappearance has been solved.
Since the discovery of the wreck, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has been conducting meticulous research on the ship to ensure that its story is told accurately and respectfully.
Corey Adkins, a spokesperson for the organization, emphasized that every shipwreck has its own significance and must be treated with honor. “Each of these stories is important and deserves to be told with the greatest honor and respect,” Adkins stated.
The discovery of the Adella Shores offers a glimpse into the past and closes one of the many mysteries of Lake Superior, known for its treacherous waters and for housing various historic shipwrecks.

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