Discovery of a Historic Shipwreck in Lake Michigan
Researchers in Wisconsin have recently uncovered a “ghost ship” lying silently in Lake Michigan for almost 140 years. This finding was officially announced by the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) on September 15.
The ship identified as the FJ King, a schooner, sank during a late-night storm off the coast of Baileys Port, Wisconsin, in 1886. It seems this vessel has earned the title of ghost ship “for her relentlessness.”
WHS noted that “after 139 years of being lost, the FJ King is regarded as one of Lake Michigan’s most notable ships,” having been the target of numerous search attempts since the 1970s. Local fishermen and lighthouse keepers reported sightings of her mast peeking above the water, but despite their efforts, wreck hunters often returned empty-handed.
The recent search involved collaboration from 20 citizen scientists and community historians. Chief investigator Brendon Beyrod, who also leads the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association (WUAA), thought the chances of finding the ship were slim. But, just two hours into their search, sonar equipment revealed a large object beneath the surface.
“Some of us had to pinch each other,” Baillod recounted, having gathered extensive documents regarding the ship’s history. “After all the previous searches, I couldn’t believe we found it,” he reflected.
The FJ King, constructed in Ohio in 1867, measured 144 feet and was primarily used to transport grain and iron ore. Remarkably, the crew was rescued after the ship sank.
Baillod mentioned that the vessel remains in surprisingly good condition, given its cargo. “We may never know exactly where the captain was when the storm hit at 2 AM, but it’s likely the lighthouse keeper’s distance estimates were accurate,” he stated.
Baillod also expressed relief about the ship’s hull. “We were worried it might collapse under the weight of the cargo, but thankfully, it looks intact.” This shipwreck adds to the series of recent discoveries that WHS has been promoting, including the LW Crane wreck discovered earlier this summer, and a tug called J.C. Ames found by fishermen near the Manitowoc coast this spring.
