Marine Archaeologists Discover Historic Shipwreck in Lake Michigan
- Marine archaeologists have located the wreckage of a 19th-century schooner that sank in Lake Michigan.
- This discover sheds light on maritime history and contributes to our understanding of shipbuilding in the late 1800s.
- Further research will enhance knowledge about the vessel and its historical context.
ALGOMA, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association has announced the discovery of the wreckage of the Margaret A. Muir, a schooner that sank in Lake Michigan in the late 19th century. Found on May 12 in 50 feet of water off Algoma, Wisconsin, the Muir was a 130-foot, three-masted vessel built in 1872, which was transporting bulk salt from Bay City, Michigan, to South Chicago, Illinois, when it met its fate. The Muir sank during a storm on September 30, 1893, just before reaching Ahnapee, now known as Algoma. While the six-member crew, led by Captain David Clow, managed to escape in a lifeboat, Clow's dog tragically perished with the ship. Clow expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “I would rather lose any sum of money than to have the brute perish as he did,” highlighting the emotional bond between the captain and his pet. Brendon Baillod, president of the association and a Great Lakes shipwreck researcher, initiated the search for the Muir after analyzing historical records and narrowing the search area to approximately five square miles. The discovery occurred as searchers were concluding their day and retrieving sonar equipment, leading to the unexpected find. Images of the wreck reveal significant deterioration, with the vessel's deck collapsed and sides fallen outward, providing a poignant reminder of the maritime history and the challenges faced by sailors in the Great Lakes region.