Wreckage of ‘Ghost Ship’ F.J. King, Which Sank 139 Years Ago, Is Finally Found: ‘A Nautical Time Capsule’ (Exclusive)

Wreckage of ‘Ghost Ship’ F.J. King Found 139 Years After Sinking

In a remarkable discovery, the wreckage of the infamous ‘Ghost Ship’ F.J. King, which sank 139 years ago, has been located. The Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association made the announcement just one day before the 139th anniversary of the ship’s sinking in Lake Michigan. Researcher Brendon Baillod described the find as a “nautical time capsule” and revealed that the ship is remarkably well-preserved, still holding all the articles it went down with in 1886.

The F.J. King was a 144-foot, three-masted wooden schooner that met its unfortunate fate in 1886. During a storm, Captain William Griffin instructed his crew to abandon ship as the vessel started to sink on its journey from Michigan to Chicago. Fortunately, the crew managed to escape on the ship’s yawl boat just in time before the ship disappeared beneath the water, never to resurface again. This mysterious disappearance earned the ship its ‘Ghost Ship’ moniker.

For over a century, the F.J. King remained elusive, despite numerous search efforts since the 1970s. Many shipwreck hunters scoured the area in vain until the recent breakthrough. The dramatic discovery was made possible by a citizen-science project led by Brendon Baillod, involving 20 eager participants and community historians from the Midwest. The team used new DeepVision sidescan sonar technology to locate the wreck underwater.

The day of discovery was filled with suspense as the group set out on a search mission with low expectations, given the ship’s reputation for evading detection. However, to their astonishment, the F.J. King was found within just two hours on June 28, impressing the team with its remarkably preserved state. Unlike ocean wrecks that degrade over time, the ship appeared almost intact, showcasing only minimal damage from hitting the lake bottom.

The Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association plans to nominate the F.J. King to the National Register of Historic Places due to its historical significance. The ship’s 19-year career before sinking represents a crucial period in American growth and industrialization, reflecting the vital role played by the Great Lakes. This extraordinary find provides valuable insights into maritime history and underscores the importance of preserving such cultural relics for future generations to appreciate.

The F.J. King’s discovery marks a significant milestone in underwater archaeology, shedding light on a long-lost piece of maritime heritage. The vessel’s well-preserved condition and the artefacts still onboard offer a unique glimpse into the past, allowing researchers and historians to piece together the events leading to its tragic end. This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of maritime history but also highlights the ongoing efforts to explore and protect our underwater heritage.

The successful search for the ‘Ghost Ship’ F.J. King serves as a testament to the dedication and collaboration of researchers, archaeologists, and citizen scientists. The meticulous efforts of the team involved in the discovery demonstrate the importance of preserving our maritime heritage and uncovering stories hidden beneath the waves. As the F.J. King’s story resurfaces after 139 years, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of shipwrecks and the mysteries they hold for generations to come.