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“The Last Laker” author details search for historic Great Lakes shipwreck

Current State talks with Frederick Stonehouse. His book "The Last Laker: Finding a Wreck Lost in the Great Lakes’ Deadliest Storm" tells the story of the search for the SS Henry B. Smith, which sank in 1913.

In 1913, a mighty hurricane-strength storm ripped through the Great Lakes resulting in the greatest loss of life and ships from a single storm to date. For a century, one particular wreck, the SS Henry B. Smith, eluded divers and maritime experts.

The Smith’s life, death and rediscovery are the subject of a new book by Great Lakes historian Frederick  Stonehouse.

"The Last Laker: Finding a Wreck Lost in the Great Lakes’ Deadliest Storm" tells the story of the Henry B. Smith and dozens of other ships and more than 200 lives lost in November of 2013.

Current State's Peter Whorf spoke with Stonehouse in the first of a two-part conversation.

Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."
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