Mike and Georgann Wachter are well known as the authors of Erie Wrecks and Lights, Erie Wrecks East and Erie Wrecks West.
The have been divng around the world since the mid 1970's. However, nowhere else in the world have they discovered the kind of pristine and perfectly preserved shipwrecks that lie in the fresh waters of the Great Lakes. As their passion for shipwrecks grew, they began the extensive research exhibited in the Erie Wrecks books. This has resulted in the discovery or rediscovery of over 25 wreck sites. What was once a part time hobby became a full time investigation of the myths and realities behind the thousands of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. In addition to their books, Mike and Georgann have published numerous magazine articles and are actively involved in creating diver access to and preserving Great Lakes maritime history. Both have been active in the Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST) where Mike is past president and Georgann has been treasurer. Under Mike's tenure, 6 shipwrecks in Ohio waters were moored for divers. They serve actively in several dive clubs, including the Bay Area Divers (BAD) and Lake Erie Wreck Divers.
Georgann is an accomplished researcher who is sought after as a speaker on sport diving, Great Lakes shipwrecks and aquatic life. Her marine artwork has been exhibited around the Great Lakes. Mike makes his living as a management consultant and public speaker. For both Georgann and Mike, their first love is shipwreck diving. The collaboration of Georgann's love of research and Mike's love of story telling provides the fuel for the Erie Wrecks series.
The Steamer Sun & Seven Other Nerw Discoveries
Mike and Georgann will give an in depth & humorous presentation on the steamer Sun which they discovered in 2008. The Sun is a great example of one of the oldest propeller driven steamers in the Great Lakes. By the time of her loss off Rondeau Bay in July of 1874, she had been cut down to a lumber hooker.
In addition, this program highlights 7 other recently discovered wrecks including the sandsucker Howard S. Gerkin and a rum runner.