In a surprising turn of events, husband and wife team Yvonne Drebert and Zack Melnick, who specialize in underwater videography, stumbled upon a long-lost shipwreck while filming a documentary about invasive mussels in Lake Huron. The team of documentary filmmakers made this remarkable discovery thanks to the presence of thousands of invasive quagga mussels.

Their journey began when they received a tip from scientists conducting an offshore fish survey about an anomaly on their sonar readout near the Saugeen-Bruce Peninsula. Intrigued by the prospect of investigating this unusual bump on an otherwise flat lakebed, Drebert and Melnick embarked on what they initially thought would be a "fun Saturday boat ride."

Equipped with a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) carrying a high-resolution camera system, the couple descended about 275 feet into the depths of Lake Huron. Within minutes, an enormous structure emerged from the abyss, revealing a shipwreck that had not been seen by human eyes in 128 years. Overwhelmed by the sight before them, Drebert and Melnick could hardly believe their luck.

As they explored the shipwreck, the filmmakers realized that the invasive mussels that had led them to this discovery were also the very reason the wreck was at risk of being destroyed. The quagga mussels attach themselves to shipwrecks and accumulate, eventually causing the vessels to crumble under the weight. Additionally, the mussels produce acid that corrodes the steel and iron components of the ships.

Speaking to The Independent, Drebert explained that their documentary, titled "All Too Clear," initially focused on the ecological impact of invasive mussels in the Great Lakes. However, the discovery of The Africa, as the shipwreck came to be known, shed light on the mussels' impact on cultural heritage as well.

To confirm the identity of the ship, local maritime historian Patrick Folkes and marine archaeologist Scarlett Janusas conducted extensive research. They concluded that the vessel was The Africa, which was originally built in 1873 and later repurposed as a steam barge in 1886. On October 4, 1895, the Africa set sail from Ohio carrying coal and towing another barge named The Severn. Neither ship made it to their destination, with The Severn being found broken up on the Bruce Peninsula and its crew rescued. The Africa and its crew, however, disappeared without a trace.

Based on measurements and the presence of coal deposits in the vicinity of the wreck, Drebert and Melnick were able to establish that they had indeed stumbled upon the long-lost Africa. The rediscovery of this shipwreck not only brought excitement to the filmmaking team but also provided closure to the families of the crew members who had previously been lost at sea.

Melnick shared that since the story of their remarkable find became public, several descendants of the deceased crew members had reached out to them. Together with these families, the filmmakers are now working on finding a way to honor the memory of those sailors who tragically perished 128 years ago.

While the discovery of The Africa showcased the incredible potential of underwater exploration, it also highlighted the detrimental effects of invasive mussels on delicate ecosystems. The Center of Invasive Species Research in Riverside, California, warns that quagga and zebra mussels can have catastrophic impacts on the ecosystems they invade. These organisms clog water intake structures, increase maintenance costs for water treatment plants, and heavily encrust recreational areas such as docks, buoys, and beaches.

Despite these negative consequences, there have been some unexpected positive effects of the mussel invasions. The filtration of water by mussels as they extract food has improved water clarity and reduced pollution in some lakes.

The documentary "All Too Clear," featuring the remarkable discovery of The Africa, is set to air in 2024. For Drebert and Melnick, this unexpected find has not only added an exciting chapter to their filmmaking careers but has also brought attention to the pressing issue of invasive mussels and their impact on both the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Lakes.