A record number of shipwrecks were discovered in Lake Michigan in 2023 — What is driving the surge in discoveries?

The only known photo of the Milwaukee
The only known photo of the Milwaukee. Photo credit Michigan Shipwreck Research Association / Bowling Green University

(WWJ) In March, the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association announced it had discovered the wreck of the Milwaukee — a vessel that sunk to the bottom of Lake Michigan in 1886, 137 years before.

Its discovery adds to the record number discovered in Lake Michigan last year. On this episode of The Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher explores what is known about the wreck, and why there is a surge in shipwreck discoveries.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Michigan Shipwreck Research Association / Bowling Green University