Lake Michigan Gales & Tales: Vanishing Ships, Tragic Wrecks, and Historic Rescues

The waters of Lake Michigan are a calm and tranquil place--until they aren't

Lake Mishigami, as the Ojibwe referred to the big waters of Lake Michigan, has a violent side, especially when the winds roar, creating waves that are freshwater giants. These waves have mercilessly taken many ships--along with their crews and passengers--to the bottom. Many have paid a dear price for mistakenly thinking this massive lake is nothing but an oversized pond. A single monstrous storm in November 1880 sank or damaged north of one hundred ships and claimed nearly one hundred lives. But tragedy on the lake is so often met with heroism by those who brave carnage to save their fellow man. Lake Michigan can go from serene to devilish in less than an hour. Author Michael Passwater delves into these transformations and their aftermaths.

Purdue professor and shipwreck historian Michael Passwater published his first book, Historical Shipwrecks and Rescues on Lake Michigan, in April 2023, which features the mysterious, unknown reality found lurking behind the lesser-known stories treasured deeply in the waters of our Great Lakes. This led to being featured on With Respect on WHRC radio and Experience Michiana on ABC 57 News television. Being nationally published in Wreck and Rescue magazine (Summer 2024) was followed by speaking engagements at the Bay Area Diver's Conference (November 2024). The author credits fraternizing with personalities such as legendary shipwreck hunter Dave Trotter and highly respected shipwreck historians Robert Jaecks and Brendon Baillod as inspirations in writing his second book, Lake Michigan Gales & Tales. The author earned a Bachelor of Science and an Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical engineering technology from Purdue University, where he now teaches engineering. When he is not busy teaching, he dedicates countless hours of research to every shipwreck story, focusing on the fascinating history and heroism that have been lost over time. The only aspect of the author's life he is more passionate about is his love for his fiancée, family and friends.