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How do you find Shipwrecks? Meet a real life, underwater Indiana Jones! Tom Farnquist, director emeritus of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, shares stories of his passion for underwater exploration and the role of the society in discovering and preserving shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. He shares the challenges and stories behind finding significant shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald and elaborates on the importance of historical research and technology in his work.
Links:
Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: https://shipwreckmuseum.com/
Navigating the Depths: The Tale of Michigan’s Underwater Indiana Jones
Hello and welcome back to Total Michigan, where we explore the fascinating people and places that make up the heart of this great state. I’m your host, Cliff DuVernois, and today, we take a deep dive into the vibrant waters of the Great Lakes—a dive with none other than the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society’s Director Emeritus, Tom Farnquist.
The Allure of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes hold countless stories beneath their waves. These vast expanses of fresh water hide more than 6,000 shipwrecks. As history goes, over 35,000 lives were claimed in these waters, their stories preserved within the sunken hulls forgotten by time. But fear not, for legends like Tom Farnquist find these wrecks and surface their tales. —
Meet Tom Farnquist
Tom isn’t your everyday historian. Raised near the St. Mary’s River, Farnquist’s journey began as a young boy fascinated by all things aquatic. His love for diving was ignited at sixteen after his first underwater venture with borrowed gear. With this newfound passion, he forged a path from biology student to stalwart historian of the underwater realms.
Pursuing the Shipwrecks
Joining forces with like-minded adventurers, Tom helped form the Chippewa Dolphins, a group diving into Michigan’s lakes. Soon enough, Tom’s storytelling prowess and ability to captivate students led him to more than just classrooms. His love for narrating shipwreck tales culminated in the formation of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Tom’s passion didn’t stop with dry history; he dove headfirst into action. From the midst of the 1970s sonar innovations to the depths with outdated film cameras, Tom documented the underwater world. Early adopters like John Steele showed him the ropes of sonar technology, where one could find treasure troves of maritime history resting on lake beds.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Tom’s knack for finding lost vessels is legendary. One of his noteworthy discoveries is the Russia, a ship sought after for decades. Thanks to calculated research and ample discretion, Tom found it in a mere two days—a spot missed by another diver by only 1,200 feet after twenty years of search. His greatest affinity, however, lies with the Edmund Fitzgerald’s legend. Although he didn’t originally find her, his connection began the very night the Fitzgerald sank. Tom played an essential role in plotting search areas, an effort that unified him with families and communities connected to the disaster.
Enduring Stories Beneath
A passionate educator both by profession and heart, Tom’s stories fuel curiosity about Great Lakes Shipwrecks. The Shipwreck Society remains a testament to his enduring love for maritime history, offering insight and adventure to all who listen. If shipwreck lore piques your interest, a treasure trove of stories and artifacts awaits at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. You can even reach out to Tom Farnquist via email to dive deeper into the enigma of the Great Lakes’ submerged stories.
Thank you for diving with us into Tom Farnquist’s remarkable journey as both an explorer and historian. Stay tuned for our next episode here on Total Michigan, where we introduce you to yet another extraordinary Michigander making waves in their own unique way. We’ll see you soon on the shores of discovery.
