Date:
Wednesday, 06/17/2026
Time: 6:00 pm
Category:
It’s rare that only one member of the crew survives a sinking, but some of the most incredible rescue stories are from those who alone made it ashore. The loss of the side-wheeler Sunbeam on Lake Superior, the wheelmen on the Western Reserve and the Equinox were also the last of the crew to tell what happened. But perhaps it’s the legendary stories from the masters of the ships that seem nearly impossible- as tradition usually submits the skipper to go down with his ship. This wasn’t the case for Capt. Neal on the Myron in 1919 or the man who saw his wife and child lost when the Nelson was also lost on Superior’s shipwreck coast. Two captains were the sole survivors when their ships were lost to Black Friday in 1916, and Capt. Jerome Kiah was the only lifesaver to float ashore after a tragic rescue attempt off Michigan’s Thumb. Ric Mixter shares these stories and his longtime friendship with the only crewman found alive when the Daniel J. Morrell was lost in November of 1966.
About the presenter:
Ric Mixter was awarded for 20 years of maritime preservation by the Association of Great Lakes Maritime History. He has produced over 30 shows on local history for PBS and the Outdoor Channel and has appeared on the History and Discovery Channel as a shipwreck expert
This program will be in the Library’s Lower Level meeting room. Registration is appreciated. Scroll down to register or call 734-426-4477 (ext. 120).
This program is part of the 2026 Adult Summer Reading Program: Unearth a Story. Attendees do not have to be participating in the Adult Summer Reading Program to attend. All are welcome!
