Ep 5. Great Lakes' Vanished Warships

Expedition Unknown Season 13 Episode 5: Great Lakes' Vanished Warships

In this riveting episode of Expedition Unknown, seasoned explorer Josh Gates delves into the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of warships in the historic and treacherous Great Lakes region. With an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering determination, Josh embarks on a high-stakes adventure to uncover the truth behind these vanished vessels.

The Great Lakes, a vast interconnected series of lakes located on the border of the United States and Canada, have long been a crucial lifeline for trade and transportation. However, they have also witnessed numerous maritime tragedies, with many warships vanishing without a trace over the centuries. From the American Revolution to World War II, these vessels were instrumental in various conflicts, their stories etched into the fabric of North American history.

Josh begins his exploration in Lake Ontario, a seemingly serene body of water that is home to countless untold secrets. Armed with cutting-edge technology and guided by historical records, he hopes to locate one of the most elusive ships, the HMS Ontario. This British warship went missing in 1780 under mysterious circumstances during the Revolutionary War, and its fate has remained an enduring enigma. As Josh dives deep beneath the surface, he uncovers tantalizing clues that may finally shed light on the lost ship and its crew.

Moving on to Lake Superior, the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, Josh sets out to investigate the fate of the SS Henry B. Smith. This mighty freighter vanished in a severe storm in 1913, known as the "White Hurricane," which claimed numerous vessels and countless lives. As he braves the turbulent waters, Josh pieces together the puzzle surrounding the SS Henry B. Smith's disappearance, hoping to provide closure to the families who have grieved its loss for over a century.

Continuing his quest, Josh heads to Lake Huron, known for its gruesome shipwreck history. In this unforgiving water body lies the wreck of a French warship named Le Griffon. Built in 1679, Le Griffon was the first European-style sailing vessel to sail the Great Lakes. However, it vanished during a return voyage, leaving historians and maritime enthusiasts baffled. Josh scours the depths of Lake Huron in search of clues that may solve the mystery of Le Griffon's disappearance, unveiling a tale that redefines the maritime history of the Americas.

Lastly, Josh sets his sights on Lake Michigan, where he investigates the story of the Rouse Simmons, famously known as "The Christmas Tree Ship." This schooner was dedicated to delivering Christmas trees to the people of Chicago but met a tragic fate in 1912. Over a century later, Josh seeks to find the final resting place of this beloved ship and learn more about the brave crew who perished while spreading holiday cheer. Along the way, he discovers heartwarming stories of resilience and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.

As Josh Gates ventures through the beautiful yet treacherous Great Lakes, he unearths untold chapters of history and pays tribute to the lost souls whose stories have remained untold for far too long. With each dive, he brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries that have gripped these waters for centuries. Join him on this thrilling expedition and witness the captivating exploration of the vanished warships that sailed these hauntingly beautiful lakes.