“Filmmakers Find Long-Lost Shipwreck While Documenting Invasive Mussels in Great Lakes.”
In the midst of producing a documentary about the invasive quagga mussels in the Great Lakes, two filmmakers, Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick, stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. While conducting their research in Lake Huron, they unexpectedly encountered the wreck of the Africa, a steamship that mysteriously vanished in October 1895 while transporting coal from Ohio to Ontario, as reported by Fox Weather. The Africa disappeared after a night on the turbulent and wind-whipped waters of Lake Huron, underlining the challenging conditions that both the ship and the modern-day filmmakers faced.
Drebert and Melnick, like the ill-fated Africa’s crew, had to contend with rough weather during their search for invasive mussels. They had initially embarked on what they thought would be a calm exploration, but the conditions turned turbulent, leading them to call it a day. It was during this turbulent endeavor that their underwater drone detected something substantial, prompting the filmmakers to send a robotic camera down to investigate further.
The camera’s footage revealed not only the quagga mussels they had been documenting but also a surprising and well-preserved wooden steamship. The invasive mussels, which had brought Drebert and Melnick to Lake Huron, actually contributed to the discovery by aiding in the identification of the shipwreck. However, it’s important to note that the presence of these mussels also poses a threat to the preservation of the shipwreck, as they will ultimately lead to its deterioration.
The filmmakers could identify the vessel as the Africa due to its size and the coal found around the wreck. This discovery brought immense excitement to their film team but also provided a sense of closure to the families of the crew members who had gone missing in the shipwreck 128 years ago. Descendants of the sailors who lost their lives on the Africa have reached out to Drebert and Melnick, initiating efforts to commemorate those who perished in the tragic incident.
The invasion of quagga mussels and zebra mussels in the Great Lakes region has had severe ecological and economic repercussions. These invasive species clog water intake structures, increasing maintenance costs for water treatment and power plants. They also negatively impact recreational activities and infrastructure, such as docks, boat hulls, and anchors. However, these mussels have been found to have some positive effects on the environment, such as improving water clarity and reducing eutrophication in polluted lakes through their filtration activities.
