Found After 80 Years at the Bottom of Lake Superior: SS Arlington
Big Old Boats・15 minutes read
Captain Frederick John Burke, a seasoned heavy weather Captain, trusted his ship over weather forecasts; however, his questionable decisions during a storm led to the sinking of the SS Arlington in 1940, resulting in the loss of the ship and several crew members. Despite his history of heroic actions during maritime incidents, the tragedy of the Arlington's sinking was attributed to Captain Burke's inexplicable actions, leaving his final actions on the doomed ship a mystery.
Insights
- Captain Frederick John Burke, a seasoned heavy weather Captain, trusted his ship over weather forecasts, leading to questionable decisions during the Arlington's tragic sinking in 1940.
- Despite Captain Burke's heroic history in maritime incidents, his inexplicable actions during the Arlington's sinking, disregarding crew concerns and critical damage, resulted in the loss of the ship and several crew members, leaving his final actions a mystery.
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Who was Captain Frederick John Burke?
A seasoned heavy weather Captain.
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Summary
00:00
Captain Burke's Fatal Decision: The Arlington Tragedy
- Captain Frederick John Burke was a seasoned heavy weather Captain known for trusting his ship over weather forecasts.
- In 1940, the SS Arlington, a freighter carrying wheat, left Port Arthur for Owen Sound, demonstrating seaworthiness despite its age.
- The Arlington, built in 1913, was sold multiple times before being acquired by the Burke Towing and Salvage Company.
- Captain Burke, initially reluctant to join his brothers' business, took command of the Arlington for the 1940 season.
- As the Arlington sailed into Lake Superior, the weather deteriorated, with Captain Burke making questionable decisions despite crew concerns.
- First mate Maxi, aware of the ship's vulnerability, tried to change course for safety, but Captain Burke insisted on heading into the storm.
- The crew faced worsening conditions as waves battered the ship, leading to damaged hatches and a dangerous list to port.
- Chief engineer Gilbert discovered critical damage to the ship's bulkheads and cargo, realizing the Arlington was beyond saving.
- Despite distress signals and attempts to save the crew, Captain Burke remained passive as the Arlington sank, with most crew members rescued.
- The tragedy of the Arlington's sinking was attributed to Captain Burke's inexplicable actions, leading to the loss of the ship and several crew members.
17:01
Captain Burke's Heroic Legacy at Sea
- Captain Burke, despite speculation of following the tradition of going down with his ship, had a history of heroic actions during maritime incidents, including saving lives during collisions, and his final actions on the doomed ship Arlington in 1940 remain a mystery.
