Archaeologists: Shipwreck Isn't Long-Sought Griffin

Pair of divers thought they solved Great Lakes mystery
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 13, 2015 7:29 AM CDT
Archaeologists: Shipwreck Isn't Long-Sought Griffin
In this file photo, an underwater archaeologist makes notes while inspecting a timber jutting from the bottom of Lake Michigan that experts believe could be part of the long-lost ship the Griffin.   (AP Photo/Great Lakes Exploration Group, Chris Doyal, File)

The Griffin remains lost: Michigan state archaeologists say a shipwreck found in Lake Michigan isn't that of the earliest known wreck in the Great Lakes. The Muskegon Chronicle reports two men came forward late last year with photos of the shipwreck found off of Frankfort, which is about 40 miles west of Traverse City. The men thought it might be the Griffin, which has been missing since 1679.

However, two archaeologists looked at the wreck Tuesday in a dive along with Michigan State Police officers. State Historic Preservation Office spokeswoman Laura Ashlee says divers found an 80-foot wooden hull, which she says is too long to have been the Griffin. Ashlee said one archaeologist thought the shipwreck was a tug boat and saw some steam machinery on it. (More shipwreck stories.)

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