 The deadliest and most destructive natural disaster ever to hit the lakes , the Great Lakes Storm killed more than 250 people , destroyed 19 ships , and stranded 19 others . The financial loss in vessels alone was nearly US $ 5 million ( or about $ 119 @,@ 714 @,@ 000 in today 's dollars ) . This included about $ 1 million at current value in lost cargo totalling about 68 @,@ 300 tons , such as coal , iron ore , and grain . 
