‘Right Here in Our Backyard’: Diver Makes Previously Undiscovered Find Below Lake Michigan’s Surface

A diver exploring off the Island of Skillagalee recently located a series of previously undiscovered shipwrecks resting on the bottom of Lake Michigan.

According to Michigan Live, diver Ross Richardson said he found a cluster of shipwrecks during the summer — one dating back to the 1850s.

“I was looking for wrecks that haven’t been discovered and have a decent last known position,”  Richardson told the news outlet. “This is kind of the last place in Lake Michigan where there’s a concentration of wrecks that are undiscovered, but somewhat attainable.”

The island's waters proved to be dangerous for many ships because of the reefs just feet below the waters surface, according to Michigan Live. A series of ships, dating back decades, ultimately found their doom in the area, prompting the building of a lighthouse on the island.

Richardson found five wrecks in total, including the wreck of the A.D. Patchin.

A diver said he found five shipwrecks in the waters of Lake Michigan over the summer. (Image source: YouTube)

A diver said he found five shipwrecks in the waters of Lake Michigan over the summer. (Image source: YouTube)

His journey "right here in our backyard" was filmed so that he could share the experience with others.

“You only have to travel a few hours to come across a place that people haven’t been to in a really long time," he told Michigan Live.

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