F.J. King Shipwreck Found in Lake Michigan

The wreckage of the F. J. King (schooner), a 144-foot, three-masted cargo schooner that sank in United States — Michigan on September 15, 1886, has been discovered after nearly 140 years. A team led by researcher Brendon Baillod located the 'ghost ship' on June 28 off Bailey's Harbor, United States — Wisconsin, using side-scan sonar. The F. J. King (schooner) was transporting iron ore from Escanaba, United States — Michigan, to United States — Chicago when it encountered a severe gale, causing its seams to rupture. Captain William Griffin ordered the crew to evacuate, and they were later rescued by a passing schooner. Conflicting reports from Captain William Griffin and a lighthouse keeper about the sinking location had stymied search efforts since the 1970s. The Wisconsin Historical Society and the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association announced the discovery, noting the hull of the F. J. King (schooner) appears remarkably intact despite carrying heavy cargo. The discovery highlights the ongoing efforts to find the estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, with improved technology and clearer waters due to Quagga mussel filtration aiding recent finds.