A reader submission popped up in my inbox from an anonymous member of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. It seems that this week, a shipwreck was discovered in Lake Superior that has been a bit of a mystery for some time, concerning both the location of the ship and the actions of its captain.
While the wreckage of the S.S. Arlington which sunk in Lake Superior in the early morning hours of May 1, 1940 has been found, questions loomed about the ship’s captain Frederick “Tatey Bug” Burke, who went down with the ship after ensuring the 16 members of his crew made it safely to a nearby vessel. The crew argued that Burke could easily have escaped his watery tomb, but went down with his ship, as any good ship captain is expected to do.
However, the discovery of a lockbox among the wreckage has shed light on the captain’s actions. Surviving over 80 years beneath the frigid waters of Lake Superior, the lockbox remained air tight when explorers brought it to the surface. Amidst some paperwork and petty cash, was the log of Captain Burke, the contents of which answers many questions about that night, but poses even more shocking ones.
The anonymous source included the last four entries in the journal, stating that we were the only publication that wouldn’t sugar-coat the words written in the old tome. So here it is, the unedited words of Captain Burke written during the final voyage of the S.S. Arlington.
Jacob Bartholomew
April 27, 1940
The winds howl tonight like a pack of hungry wolves, and the waters of Lake Superior churn beneath the hull of the S.S. Arlington. We’ve been held captive by a freak snowstorm, the likes of which I’ve never seen in all my years at sea. The docksman on the radio advises we stay put until the waters calm, but my gut tells me there’s more to fear than just choppy waves.
The full moon looms on the horizon, a reminder of the curse that haunts me. As captain, I bear the weight of my secret alone, but tonight, it feels heavier than ever. The safety of my crew weighs heavily on my mind. If only we could make it to shore before the moon reaches its peak.
I am still hoping for the best, but fate, it seems, has other plans.
April 28, 1940
Another day has passed, and still, we remain at the mercy of the storm. The men grow restless, their nerves frayed by the relentless howling of the wind. I do my best to maintain order, to keep their spirits from sinking as low as the temperature outside.
But inside, I battle my own demons. The beast within stirs with each passing hour, hungering for release. I dare not let it out, not with my men so close at hand. Yet the temptation gnaws at me, a constant reminder of the darkness that dwells within.
I pray for a miracle, for a break in the storm that will grant us safe passage to shore. But until then, we are prisoners of the lake, at the mercy of forces beyond our control.
April 29, 1940
The full moon draws nearer, casting such a glow upon the deck of the Arlington, that this may as well be Lake Eerie. I can feel the change coming, the primal urge to embrace the beast within. But I must fight it, for the sake of my crew, for the sake of their safety.
The docksman’s words ring in my ears, a warning against venturing into the storm-ravaged waters. He speaks of hidden dangers, of rocks and reefs that could tear our ship asunder. And yet, I cannot shake the feeling that our greatest threat lies within these very walls.
I must find a way to protect my men, to shield them from the darkness that lurks within me. But as the moon rises high in the sky, I fear that my resolve may not be enough to hold back the tide.
April 30, 1940
Good fortune reached us today, when we were able to port in Port Arthur. The crew wants to get back statesite as soon as possible, and given their morale, I don’t think I’ll be able to convince them to stay put. We were able to load a haul of wheat due for Owen Sound, a trip we should be able to make with plenty of time to spare, providing the weather cooperates.
So long as we can keep it a straight shot, we should be home before the transformation comes.
May 1, 1940 – 3:00 AM
Dense fog has forced us to cling to the shoreline, lengthening our trip by at least another day. I’ve ordered the crew to head for deeper waters, and they think me insane. If only they knew…
The hour is upon us, and I can no longer deny the truth that stares me in the face. I am a monster, cursed to roam the night in search of prey. And tonight, my prey will be none other than the men under my command.
I have seen another ship on the horizon, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that surrounds us. It is the crew’s only chance for survival, their only hope for escape. I cannot risk leading my crew into danger, not with the beast that lurks within me.
And so, I have made my decision.
I will sink the S.S. Arlington, send her to the depths where she belongs. I will chain myself in my quarters, a prisoner of my own making, and take the curse of the werewolf down with me. It is the only way, the only way to ensure that my men are safe from harm.
May God forgive me for what I am about to do. And may He watch over my crew, wherever their journey may lead them. As for me, I shall embrace the darkness and let it consume me, once and for all. Farewell, my friends. Farewell.
Frederick “Tatey Bug” Burke, captain of the S.S. Arlington
So, what can we take from this story? For one, were-wolves are real apparently! Didn’t see that one coming! But also, maybe some mysteries are best left to the dark depths of the world, respectfully remembering the lives of those that they have claimed. After all, I’m pretty sure the only way to kill a werewolf is with a silver bullet, so that thing is probably chained down there just waiting to bite the next guy in a scuba suit to swim by. Now that would be a sticky situation!
If you have a story you would like to submit for publication on our site, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll take a look at it. I usually do some editing to ensure it’s up to our standards and to make myself feel worthy of a paycheck, but I do not change anything pertinent to the story as a whole. Thanks for reading!
