Fisherman discovers historic shipwreck under Lake Michigan

In May 2025, Christopher Thuss, a lifelong resident of Lake Michigan, made a remarkable discovery while fishing near Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He stumbled upon the J.C. Ames shipwreck, a tugboat that had remained hidden for nearly a century beneath the lake's surface. Built in 1881 for the lumber trade, the vessel was intentionally sunk in 1923 after serving multiple owners and undergoing repairs following damage from a collision in 1889. The shipwreck sat in just nine feet of water, making it accessible for examination and research. The Wisconsin Historical Society announced the discovery on May 16, sparking excitement amongst maritime archaeologists. Tamara Thomsen, an archaeologist at the society, noted that it allowed a piece of history to resurface, emphasizing the thrill of such unintentional findings. Votes of optimism arose, suggesting this discovery might lead to a better understanding of historical shipbuilding practices, particularly concerning the vessel's notable size, which at 160 feet, surpasses many typical tugboats. Thuss used sonar equipment to detect the shipwreck, noting that at first he was uncertain about what he had found. Once he closed in on the anomaly, the entire structure of the J.C. Ames was revealed. As a result of this unexpected find, researchers, including Caitlin Zant from Wisconsin's Shipwreck Coast, are keen to study the tugboat's construction and historical significance. According to Zant, the size of the ship raises questions that experts are eager to explore. Adding to the fascination of this discovery is Thuss's family connection to shipwrecks; his step-grandmother, known as 'Shipwreck Suzze' Johnson, has a history of locating sunken vessels in Lake Michigan. This shared interest in maritime discoveries may inspire further exploration in the area. The Wisconsin Historical Society has previously identified other significant finds in the region, emphasizing an ongoing trend of uncovering lost maritime history in Lake Michigan. As more remnants are found, opportunities for educational outreach and public interest in local history continue to grow.