Local diver reveals details of Westmoreland shipwreck

By Pat Stinson
Sun contributor

Details surrounding the history, legend and exciting 2010 discovery of one of the Great Lakes’ most sought-after shipwrecks will be disclosed during the Empire Area Heritage Group’s Dec. 2, free public program at the Empire Township Hall.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Ross Richardson, a Lake Ann diver and a 10-year former board member of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates, will share his extensive research on and incredible discovery of the Westmoreland. The 160-foot passenger steamer sank more than 150 years ago in the icy waters off what is known now as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The ship, with 34 passengers and crew, was rumored to have been carrying whiskey and gold coins when she went down in December, 1854 — a tale that launched over a dozen expeditions in the ensuing years to find her and her treasures. Only 17 people were saved during the tragic event.

Richardson solved the mystery of the ship’s whereabouts using history books, old newspapers and what he calls “a little bit of hard work.” He found the wreck in July, 2010 — sitting upright, bow and arches intact — in an uncharted hole.

The local diver has spent the last decade looking for and documenting shipwrecks off the state’s west coast. He has worked with David Trotter and Clive Cussler’s National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) Team, is part of the Benzie Area Public Safety Dive Team and is a Special Deputy with the Benzie County Sheriff’s Department.

The Westmoreland project was partially funded by a grant from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation, Inc. For more about the project, visit www.michiganmysteries.com.

A goodwill offering will be accepted at the door during the event and free beverages and popcorn will be served. For more information about Friday’s program, email empiremuseum@centurytel.net.

This GlenArbor.com article was sponsored by the Western Avenue Grill, featuring casual fine dining in downtown Glen Arbor.