A Wisconsin angler recently discovered a historic shipwreck in Lake Michigan while he was out fishing on a foggy day, historians said.
The shipwreck, which historians say is believed to be the J.C. Ames, was located off the coast of Manitowoc. The Wisconsin Historical Society reported the finding in a release on May 16, 2025.
The fisherman, Christopher Thuss, noticed the shipwreck north of the Manitowoc breakwater, just nine feet below the surface, and reported it to the historical society.
The J.C. Ames was built in 1881 to transport lumber and was “one of the largest and most powerful tugs on the lakes,” with a 670-horsepower engine, according to the 1990 book “Green Bay Workhorses: The Nau Tug Line” referenced by the historical society.
It fell into disrepair and was intentionally sunk in 1923.
“These kinds of discoveries are always so exciting because it allows a piece of lost history to resurface. It sat there for over a hundred years and then came back on our radar completely by chance,” said Tamara Thomsen, maritime archaeologist for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We are grateful that Chris Thuss noticed the wreck and reported it so we can share this story with the Wisconsin communities that this history belongs to.”
This discovery is especially remarkable because of Thuss’ step-grandmother’s legacy of finding lost shipwrecks, according to the historical society.
“Shipwreck Suzze” Johnson, who operated a powered parachute and ultralight plane when she retired, has discovered a variety of shipwrecks.
In 2015, she found three shipwrecks in three days in Lake Michigan.
The historical society says the recent shipwreck discovery could become a popular site for kayakers and snorkelers due to its location.
Divers are reminded that federal law protects the shipwreck, and removing, defacing or destroying the wreck is against the law.
For more information about shipwrecks that have been discovered in Wisconsin waters, visit here.