Emily Chan
The tradition is thought to date back to the 18th century. Even today, the custom is still being practiced by cruise lines and shipping companies.
Over the course of its time on the water, the Adella Shores ran into trouble several times. Before it vanished in 1909, it sank twice while in shallow waters.
According to the Great Lakes Historical Society, the crew managed to get it back up and sailing each time.
On the day of its disappearance, the vessel had been traveling from Ludington, Michigan, to Duluth, Minnesota, with a cargo of salt.
It was following the Daniel J. Morrell, a larger steel steamship that helped cut a path through the ice.
When the ships reached Whitefish Point, disaster struck—a fierce wind blew in from the northeast. The Daniel J. Morrell was able to press on, but the Adella Shores was lost.
The captain of the Daniel J. Morrell believed the Adella Shores had struck an ice floe and sank quickly.
