A Century Beneath the Waves: The Rediscovery of the J.C. Ames Tugboat
By Tom, Spike’s Best Friend
A Foggy Morning Revelation
On a mist-laden morning in May 2025, Wisconsin angler Christopher Thuss set out for a routine fishing trip near Manitowoc’s breakwater. As he cast his line into the foggy expanse of Lake Michigan, Thuss noticed an unexpected silhouette beneath the water’s surface. Curiosity piqued, he investigated further, uncovering the remains of a vessel long thought lost to history.
This serendipitous discovery turned out to be the J.C. Ames, a formidable tugboat constructed in 1881 by the Rand & Burger shipbuilding company in Manitowoc. Renowned for its 670-horsepower engine, the J.C. Ames was once among the most powerful tugs navigating the Great Lakes, primarily tasked with transporting lumber and railway cars. After decades of service, the vessel was deliberately scuttled in 1923, a common practice for decommissioned ships of that era .
Nature’s Role in Unveiling History
For over a century, the J.C. Ames lay concealed beneath layers of sand and silt at the lake’s bottom. However, recent winter storms disrupted the sediment, revealing the vessel’s remains. Notably, the absence of quagga mussels—a pervasive invasive species known to colonize submerged structures—suggests that the wreckage had only recently become exposed .
Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, emphasized the significance of this find. “These kinds of discoveries are always so exciting because they allow a piece of lost history to resurface,” she remarked. “It sat there for over a hundred years and then came back on our radar completely by chance.”
Preserving a Maritime Legacy
The J.C. Ames‘s rediscovery offers a tangible connection to the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage. The Wisconsin Historical Society has initiated efforts to document and preserve the site, recognizing the urgency posed by environmental threats like invasive species. Volunteer divers, including Tim Pranke, have begun surveying the wreckage, which rests in approximately nine feet of water .
This event underscores the importance of vigilant observation and the role individuals can play in uncovering historical treasures. As the J.C. Ames emerges from its watery grave, it serves as a poignant reminder of the stories lying just beneath the surface, waiting to be told.
For further details on the J.C. Ames and its historical context, please refer to the AP News article.