High Winds Postpone Removal of Abandoned Boat on Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan Shore

MILWAUKEE, Wis – (Civic Media) – You’ll have another weekend with the stranded vessel. Efforts to remove an abandoned boat from Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shoreline have been postponed until at least Monday due to high winds, according to the salvage company leading the operation.

Jerry Guyer, owner of Silo Marina, says his crew had to halt work Thursday after spending hours Wednesday attempting to free the vessel, which has been stuck between McKinley and Bradford beaches since October.

The boat, named “Deep Thought,” has become a local attraction and target for vandals after it ran aground when its owners ran out of gas. It’s popular enough to have a Google Maps listing.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced Wednesday that an anonymous donor will cover the estimated $25,000 removal cost. “I’m very grateful for them stepping up to make sure that we’re able to remove this nuisance,” Johnson said at a news conference.

Guyer said his team has invested about 100 man-hours in the effort. Crews plan to return once weather conditions improve, aiming to finally tow the boat away.