Category Archives: Uncategorized

On May 13, 2024 – The J.C. Ames, a 160-foot tugboat, was discovered in shallow waters near Manitowoc. The Ames, scrapped over a century ago, was a significant tug known for towing large schooners. The J.C. Ames now lies within the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, enhancing its historical significance and accessibility for exploration. Because of its accessibility, it’s expected to be a popular spot for paddlers and snorkelers.

The Great Lakes, particularly Lake Michigan, are home to thousands of shipwrecks, many of which can be explored in the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Established in 2021, this sanctuary spans 962 square miles and features 36 known shipwrecks, with more yet to be discovered. Scuba diving charters, like those offered by Shipwreck Explorers, provide access to these well-preserved wrecks. Nearby, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc offers a land-based exhibit of historical shipwrecks along with a WWII submarine available for tours and overnight stays.

May 19, 2025 -Sheboygan students from the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences visited the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and Shipwreck Coast Sanctuary. They explored a research vessel, learned about ROVs and sonar, and toured the shipwreck exhibit, coinciding with the SAGINAW’s barley unloading in Manitowoc.

January, 2025 – The St. Peter shipwreck, a historic site in Lake Michigan, has been recognized on both the Wisconsin State and National Registers of Historic Places. Discovered by NOAA in 2022, the shipwreck lies about 35 miles north of Milwaukee, 450 feet below the surface and is within the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSNMS). Built in 1868 by Peter Perry, the schooner sank in 1874 while carrying wheat from Chicago to Toledo. The crew survived escaping minutes before the ship sank and then rowed through the night to reach Milwaukee the next morning to report on the loss.

May 24, 2024 – The Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s new exhibit, “Wisconsin’s Shipwreck Coasts,” showcases over 100 artifacts from shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, dating back to the mid-1800s. This 3,000-square-foot permanent exhibit features personal items, family heirlooms, and cargo salvaged in the 1970s, many displayed publicly for the first time. Visitors can explore firsthand accounts from pioneer shipwreck explorers and learn about modern underwater archaeology. The exhibit includes interactive displays, videos, and a section on the Manitowoc lighthouse, featuring its restored original Fresnel lens.

Aug 29, 2022 – In its first year, the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary has focused on laying the groundwork for future tourism and research. This includes comprehensive sonar mapping of the lakebed, installing weather buoys, and searching for undiscovered shipwrecks. Sanctuary Superintendent Russ Green says the sanctuary aims to enhance maritime safety, foster scientific research, and promote heritage tourism.

In summer 2024, the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS), Coast Guard, and other partners installed 19 permanent mooring buoys at historic shipwreck sites. These markers serve dual purposes: helping mariners navigate safely around the wrecks while providing secure tie-ups for exploring scuba divers. Divers of all experience levels can enjoy these sites, and some are accessible to paddlers, swimmers, and snorkelers.

In 2022, a team of NOAA researchers and members of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS) staff began to map the lakebed that is home to at least 40 shipwrecks in the waters of WSCNMS. In addition to the known shipwrecks, they were surprised to find circular craters in the lakebed. In 2024, researchers returned to the area and found about 40 craters, ranging in size from 300-600 feet across, 450 feet deep and roughly laid out in a line. Scientists are puzzled as to the origin of the craters and further research will be needed to understand their origin.

Since 2022, four real-time weather buoys have been strategically deployed across 70 miles of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. These buoys deliver crucial, up-to-date information on water temperature, wave height, and wind speed. This information is provided through Seagull by GLOS and improves navigation safety, supports scientific research, protects the sanctuary’s natural and cultural resources and helps commercial and recreational vessels, lakefront communities and visitors steer clear of dangerous waters and conditions.