GRAND MARAIS, MI -- On a snowy November morning, 113 years ago, a lifesaving rescue took place on Lake Superior that would go down in maritime history.

On the morning of November 23, 1912, the crew at the Grand Marais Lifesaving Station spotted the steamer South Shore during the crew’s regular patrol on the Upper Peninsula shoreline.

Despite the steamer not flying distress flags, Captain Benjamin Trudell had a gut feeling they needed help after the harrowing storm the night before. He sent his crew out on a rescue mission, according to the National Park Service.

Trudell’s instincts were correct.

The South Shore had been adrift in the snow and wind for 8 hours after the rough seas had destroyed her wheelhouse stoves and put out her fires, according to NPS.

“We were right in the graveya

See Full Page