On September 20, the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) posted on Facebook to report the finding of the tugboat known as the John Evenson, which was constructed in 1884. In June 1895, the ship sank following a misfortuneful voyage.
The shipwreck was first found by two maritime historians, Brendon Baillod and Robert Jaeck, the WHS informed News on Saturday.
The shipwreck, which was 42 feet below the surface, was finally located by the two using sonar scans and historical newspaper records.
The John Evenson was employed to identify and rescue sunken ships in addition to towing other vessels until it was destroyed itself.
Maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen clarified that the ship was actually a tugboat rather than a cargo ship. “It would have been used to tow vessels into Sturgeon Bay, break ice or assist stranded ships.”
As per the WHS, the ship was sailing on that fatal day following some repairs when its commander decided that it would be more advantageous for the tug to return to work.
