GHOST SHIP FOUND – Lost For 140 Years!

A “ghost ship” that evaded discovery for nearly 140 years has finally been found, rekindling interest in Great Lakes maritime mysteries.

Story Highlights

The F.J. King shipwreck was discovered intact near Door County, Wisconsin.
The find validates historical accounts by a lighthouse keeper from 1886.
Citizen scientists played a crucial role in the discovery.
The shipwreck’s condition offers new research opportunities.

Discovery of the F.J. King Shipwreck

The F.J. King, a 144-foot, three-masted schooner that sank in Lake Michigan in 1886, has been discovered after 139 years. Led by Brendon Baillod of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeological Association (WUAA), the team used advanced sonar and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to locate the ship. The wreck was found remarkably intact, less than half a mile from the location reported by a local lighthouse keeper shortly after the sinking.

The ship’s discovery, delayed by decades of unsuccessful searches, underscores the value of combining historical research with modern technology. Citizen scientists who piloted the ROVs were the first to see the wreck since its loss, highlighting the importance of community involvement in such projects. The successful search validates the lighthouse keeper’s account over the captain’s, demonstrating the reliability of local historical sources.

Significance and Implications

The discovery of the F.J. King has generated significant media attention, bringing the spotlight back to Great Lakes maritime history and archaeology. The intact condition of the wreck is particularly noteworthy, as it offers unique opportunities for further study and preservation efforts. This breakthrough may lead to increased funding and support for similar projects, enhancing our understanding of historical maritime trade and shipbuilding.

Local communities in Door County, Wisconsin, are likely to benefit from this discovery as it could boost tourism and educational opportunities related to maritime heritage. The find has also inspired maritime history enthusiasts, encouraging them to continue exploring and documenting other elusive shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region.

Role of Technology and Citizen Science

The use of advanced sonar technology and ROVs was pivotal in the rapid location of the F.J. King, after decades of fruitless efforts. This discovery underlines the potential of such technologies in underwater archaeology and could encourage their wider adoption. Furthermore, the involvement of citizen scientists in the project showcases the growing role of public participation in professional research, potentially influencing future collaboration models in the field.