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County recovers abandoned boat from Lake Michigan shoreline; cost about $50,000, donation offset part of invoice
Summary
Milwaukee County staff reported the removal of an abandoned vessel known as "Deep Thought" from the Lake Michigan shoreline near McKinley Beach after a lengthy operation. The county paid an emergency invoice of about $50,000; a private foundation donated $10,000 and an anonymous donor indicated an intent to contribute additional funds.
Milwaukee County Parks staff told the Parks and Culture Committee that a large abandoned vessel known as "Deep Thought" was removed from the Lake Michigan shoreline in a May 6 operation that involved heavy cranes and a 17-hour salvage effort.
Deputy Director Jim Tarantino said the county concluded the vessel met the definition of abandoned property under state law (citing state procedure), and county staff worked with All City Towing for a not-to-exceed invoice of about $50,000 to lift and remove the boat and clear the shoreline.
Funding and possible recovery
Tarantino said the county has received a $10,000 donation from the Daniel H. and Jane D. Hone Foundation (acknowledged in committee) and that a previously reported anonymous donor had indicated intent to provide an additional $20,000; county staff said they were actively working to secure those funds. The Parks Department said it will attempt to auction the vessel or parts of it through standard public-auction channels; staff noted that the craft appears to have heavy water-logged material inside and that net recovery at auction is uncertain.
Legal options and next steps
Corporation Counsel advised the committee that while legal claims against the last-registered owners are possible, enforcement could be difficult if the owners lack collectible assets; the office is reviewing options but cautioned there may be little net recovery after litigation costs. Tarantino said the county would explore an auction and continue to seek donations to offset the invoice.
Context
Committee members asked whether the county should prepare an emergency plan and an expedited contracting approach for similar incidents in the future. Several members and staff observed that commercial salvage operators in the region could sometimes remove boats quickly for modest fees and suggested a policy framework should be developed to address future shoreline-abandoned-vessel incidents.
