A Ship That Vanished 100 Years Ago Was Just Discovered by a Fisherman on Lake Michigan

Fisherman Discovers Shipwreck from 100 Years Ago in Lake Michigan

A fisherman in Lake Michigan made a remarkable discovery when he stumbled upon a sunken ship dating back over a century. Christopher Thuss shared his experience of finding the remains of a large vessel that had been unseen for more than 100 years. Thuss recounted how he initially couldn’t decipher what he was looking at until he realised it was an entire ship right in front of him. The boat turned out to be the J.C. Ames, a 160-foot tugboat built in 1881 that was deliberately sunk in 1923.

Thuss, who was using sonar equipment, spotted the wreckage of the tugboat north of the Manitowoc breakwater on a foggy May evening. Despite the vessel now resting in only nine feet of water, its size stood out as unique. Caitlin Zant, a research coordinator with Wisconsin’s Shipwreck Coast, highlighted the significance of the find, noting that they have not come across tugboats of such magnitude before.

Hailing from a family with a passion for discovering shipwrecks, Thuss follows in the footsteps of his step-grandmother, known as “Shipwreck Suzze” Johnson. Johnson, a local legend, has located multiple sunken vessels over the years, building a legacy in maritime exploration. After his discovery, Thuss reached out to Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist, who collaborated with Brendon Baillod, the president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association, to identify the wreck as the J.C. Ames.

The J.C. Ames, originally built for the lumber trade, was described as one of the largest and most powerful tugboats on the lakes during its time. With a fore-and-aft compound engine generating 670 horsepower, the vessel was a significant player in the pulpwood trade and exchanged hands among various owners. As it grew obsolete, the tugboat was dismantled and intentionally sunk in Lake Michigan in 1923 according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Lake Michigan has been a treasure trove of historical artifacts, with several shipwrecks being discovered over the years. Last fall, maritime historians uncovered the wreckage of the John Evenson, lost in 1895, while the steamship Milwaukee, which sank in 1886, was located in March. The Wisconsin Historical Society has issued a caution against removing any artifacts from the sunken vessels, emphasizing the importance of preserving these pieces of history.

Following the identification of the J.C. Ames, maritime archaeologists will commence the process of listing the tugboat in the State Register of Historic Places. This meticulous documentation ensures that the vessel’s historical significance is recognised and protected for future generations to appreciate. The discovery by Thuss adds another chapter to the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan, shedding light on the intriguing tales of vessels lost to the depths of the Great Lakes.

In conclusion, the uncovering of the J.C. Ames serves as a testament to the enduring allure of shipwrecks and maritime heritage. Thuss’s serendipitous find not only honours his family’s legacy but also contributes to the ongoing exploration and preservation efforts of underwater archaeology. As more pieces of the past resurface from the depths of Lake Michigan, each discovery offers a glimpse into the bygone eras of nautical exploration and trade that have shaped the region’s history.