Marine Archaeologists Uncover Historic Schooner Wreck in Lake Michigan

Marine archaeologists have made a significant discovery in Lake Michigan, locating the wreckage of the Muir, a three-masted schooner that sank in the late 1800s. Built in 1872, the 130-foot vessel was transporting bulk salt from Bay City, Michigan, to South Chicago, Illinois, when it met its fate during a storm on September 30, 1893. The ship was close to Ahnapee, now known as Algoma, when disaster struck. The crew of six, led by Captain David Clow, managed to escape in a lifeboat, although 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 bond between the captain and his pet. This emotional account adds a personal touch to the historical narrative surrounding the wreck. Brendon Baillod, president of the association and a Great Lakes shipwreck researcher, spearheaded the search for the Muir after meticulously narrowing down the search area to approximately five square miles using historical documentation. The search team made a remarkable find on May 12 while retrieving sonar equipment, discovering the wreck during their final pass of the day. Images captured from the site reveal that the Muir's deck has collapsed, and its sides have fallen outward, providing a glimpse into the ship's condition after more than a century underwater. This discovery not only enriches the maritime history of the Great Lakes but also underscores the ongoing efforts to explore and preserve these underwater treasures.