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1886 Ghost Ship Discovered Intact in Lake Michigan

9/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The F.J. King, a ghost ship that sank in 1886, was discovered in Lake Michigan near Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin.
Researcher Brendon Baillod and his team found it using side-scan sonar on June 28, 2025.
The ship sank while transporting iron ore from Escanaba, Michigan, to Chicago, but all crew members survived.
The wreck remains intact and upright on the lakebed, despite its heavy cargo.
Plans are underway to nominate the site for historic preservation.

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Story summary

The F.J. King, a ghost ship that sank in 1886, was discovered in Lake Michigan near Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin.
Researcher Brendon Baillod and his team found it using side-scan sonar on June 28, 2025.
The ship sank while transporting iron ore from Escanaba, Michigan, to Chicago, but all crew members survived.
The wreck remains intact and upright on the lakebed, despite its heavy cargo.
Plans are underway to nominate the site for historic preservation.