Discovery of 1886 Shipwreck in Lake Michigan Unveiled Through Historical News Accounts
Unveiling the mystery of a century-old shipwreck in Lake Michigan, researchers have unearthed the sunken vessel along the western Michigan shores. The significant discovery was made possible with the aid of archival news reports that offered valuable insights into the ship's whereabouts.
The discovery of a ship that sank over a century ago has been made off the coast of western Michigan, thanks to archival news articles that helped pinpoint its location.
According to a Facebook post from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association, the wreck of the steamship Milwaukee, which sank in July 1886 after a collision with another ship, was found by a team of experts in Holland, Michigan on March 23.
The group shared on Facebook that this latest find is the 19th shipwreck found along the West Michigan shores.
Using side-scan sonar technology, the association spotted the Milwaukee in June 2023. This technology helps in detecting and visualizing objects on the seafloor.
An aerial view of the shipwreck on the shore of Cape Ray, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada on January 30, 2024.
An aerial view of the shipwreck on the shore of Cape Ray, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada on January 30, 2024.
Corey Purchase/AFP/Getty Images
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The team immediately began filming the wreck and were able to confirm that it was indeed the Milwaukee. A special remote-operated vehicle was put together specifically for the Milwaukee project, as mentioned in a Facebook post.
Newspaper reports about the shipwreck were crucial in finding the ship, according to the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association. The articles detailed the ship's route and the location of its sinking, which assisted researchers in narrowing down the search area off Holland, Michigan.
"The news reports on the incident, along with the analysis of water currents, guided us to the Milwaukee within just two days of searching," stated Neel Zoss from the association in a Facebook post.
The ship was on its way to Muskegon from Chicago to pick up lumber when it sank. A lookout on the Milwaukee saw the lights of another ship, the C. Hickox, approaching. However, a thick fog rolled in, blocking the captain's view of the C. Hickox. When the fog cleared, the ships were on a collision course. The Michigan Shipwreck Research Association reported that "The Hickox crashed into the side of the Milwaukee, causing hull planks to pop and almost tipping over the ship."
Fortunately, all the passengers on board the Milwaukee were able to safely transfer to the Hickox before the ship went down, as confirmed by the association.
Researchers were able to confirm the wreck's identity by examining the damage caused by the Hickox. In an interview with CNN affiliate WXMI, Valerie van Heest, director of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association, highlighted the damage on the ship's portside as a key piece of evidence supporting the ship's identity.
According to WXMI, news reports also mentioned a "canvas jacket" that the crew used to cover the damaged side of the ship. Further evidence came in the form of canvas straps found near the wreck, providing additional confirmation that it was indeed the Milwaukee.
Jack van Heest, a member of the association's board of directors, shared with WXMI that the team dedicated around 400 hours to the Milwaukee project.
He expressed that the hard work paid off when they were able to confirm their findings, making the discovery even more rewarding.
The shipwreck was discovered resting upright, facing northeast – just as it was heading that night, the Facebook post notes.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery of the Milwaukee shipwreck off the coast of western Michigan is a captivating testament to the enduring power of history and the dedication of researchers. Through archival news articles and advanced sonar technology, the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association was able to pinpoint the location of the ship that had been lost for over a century. The detailed accounts in the newspapers provided valuable clues that narrowed down the search area, while side-scan sonar technology allowed the team to visualize the wreck on the seafloor.
The confirmation of the wreck's identity through physical evidence, such as the damage caused by the collision and the canvas straps used to cover the damaged side, adds further depth to the story. The Milwaukee's final resting place, upright and facing northeast, serves as a poignant reminder of its fateful journey. This discovery not only adds to the historical record but also provides a tangible connection to the past, inviting us to explore the stories and events that have shaped our maritime heritage.
