GHOST SHIP FOUND! – 139 Year Search Is Over

After 139 years beneath Lake Michigan’s treacherous waters, the legendary “ghost ship” F.J. King has finally been discovered by citizen scientists, proving that American ingenuity and determination can solve mysteries that stumped searchers for decades.

Story Highlights

Maritime historian Brandon Baillod and citizen scientists located the F.J. King wreck using side-scan radar near Bailey’s Harbor
The 144-foot cargo schooner sank in September 1886 during a violent storm while carrying iron ore from Michigan to Chicago
Discovery was made by independent researchers, not government agencies, showcasing the power of grassroots investigation
Hull remains largely intact despite carrying heavy iron ore cargo and sinking in a brutal gale

Citizen Scientists Succeed Where Others Failed

Brandon Baillod and the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association accomplished what decades of previous searches could not. Using side-scan radar technology and meticulous historical research, the team located the F.J. King on June 28, 2025, less than half a mile from where a lighthouse keeper originally reported the sinking. This victory demonstrates how dedicated Americans can achieve remarkable results without relying on bloated government programs or endless taxpayer funding.

Historic Vessel’s Final Voyage

The F.J. King departed Escanaba, Michigan on September 15, 1886, loaded with iron ore bound for Chicago. Master shipwright George Rogers had constructed the 144-foot schooner in Toledo, Ohio in 1867, specifically for Great Lakes commerce. Captain William Griffin commanded the vessel when it encountered a severe southeast gale off Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, with waves reaching 8-10 feet and forcing the crew to abandon ship at 2 a.m.

The schooner’s seams opened under the storm’s assault, and despite hours of desperate pumping, the vessel sank bow-first into the lake’s depths. Fortunately, all crew members survived after being rescued by the passing schooner La Petite, a testament to the seamanship and courage of that era’s mariners.

Mystery Solved Through American Ingenuity

The discovery resolves conflicting historical accounts that had frustrated searchers since the 1970s. Baillod’s methodical approach combined historical documents with local lighthouse keeper reports to pinpoint the wreck’s location. The researcher expressed amazement at the rapid success, stating that team members “had to pinch each other” because they couldn’t believe they had found it so quickly after decades of failed attempts.

This achievement highlights the effectiveness of citizen science groups over bureaucratic government initiatives. The Wisconsin Historical Society and maritime archaeologists have praised the discovery as a major breakthrough in regional underwater exploration, proving that passionate individuals can accomplish what institutional efforts could not.