April 30th is the anniversary of a tragedy in Canal Park. In 1967, 3 teens and their Coast Guard rescuer were swept off the North Pier Lighthouse by 45mph gusts and 15-20 foot waves during a gale which has been nicknamed the Black Sunday Storm. Their names were Eric, Arthur and Nathan Halverson. The Coast Guardsman was Edgar Culbertson, one of three from the Coast Guard, along with several volunteers who made a human chain, tied together with ropes to reach the teens. The teens were swept off the pier before the rescuers could reach them, and while attempting to return to shore, the lead rescuer was swept away as well, the rope breaking the hand of the next man in line before it snapped.
The incident lead to the installation of the green gates, preventing access to the areas of the pier that can be dangerous and are closed over winter and during severe gales.
Every year since then, family members and coastguard members have met in Canal Park to remember those lost, and warn against the fury of the lake. In the past it’s been a relatively small event, strictly between the two parties involved. The last few years however, with the addition of 24 hour webcams in the canal, it was brought to the attention of the public and has since become increasingly well known, becoming a day of remembrance for those lost. This year was a particularly special one, for the first time strings were pulled to allow the Coast Guard Cutter Spar to participate in the ceremony, along with the harbor tug Edward H and a rescue boat. The unusual sight of the vessels holding station in the canal also drew the attention of a passing news crew (and myself).
Unfortunately the speeches are a little difficult to hear, not sure they expected as big a crowd as what came, or how loud the engines of the Spar were, so there were no microphones. Plus I didn’t want to barge through the crowd for a better position, so some parts, particularly the last two women who speak are incredibly difficult to hear. But I figured it was important regardless and didn’t cut them from the video, although if anyone who’s involved in planning this for next year sees this video, microphones might be a good thing :)
The lake deserves respect, even relatively small waves on Lake Superior can pack a heavier punch than some of the largest ocean waves, due to their steepness and frequency. It is best never to underestimate it. Similar conditions to those that caused these events have been seen several times in the last few years, including the very day before this ceremony. While the Gales of November draw the attention and notoriety, the Gales of April are just as dangerous.
Out of respect, this video will remain as ad and money free. The purpose is to share the ceremony for interested people or those unable to attend only.
Негізгі бет Honoring Those Who Have Died in Lake Superior
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