After nearly 200 days, the Milwaukee Boat—a.k.a. The Minnow, the S.S. Minnow, the S.S. Milwaukee, Deep Thought, or just The Boat—is still stranded on the Milwaukee shores of Lake Michigan, between Bradford and McKinley beaches. This despite a big press conference last Wednesday where Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and salvage guy Jerry Guyer said the Boat would be gone by the end of the day, all thanks to the financial generosity of an anonymous donor. Every TV news station in town showed up. We showed up. Here are scenes from that press conference / salvage operation:
And here’s the Boat today:
Yep. It’s still there. Along with one of Guyer’s skiffs. It seems all those five-hour livestreams and candlelight vigils were a bit premature.
Anyway, while the Boat continues to be there, how about we read a wild Boat-related story? And it’s not just any story: it’s a story from Boat co-owner Sherry Wells (allegedly)! Sherry, along with hubby Rick, ran the Boat ashore on October 13. The Mississippi couple have been relatively mum on the situation since, so this story—left as a review on the Boat’s Google Maps page, lol—is a wealth of information.
If it’s true, that is. And if it really was written by Sherry Wells. But whatever: BUCKLE UP. It’s…something:
I’m Sherry-the owner of the ill fated Minnow. It was due to the incompetence of the marina that we became stranded. That boat was to be our home after years of working on the road. We lost our first Boat to Hurricane Ida. And yes we ran out of gas But only in One engine so we still had fuel in the second. All that pales in comparison to the real heroic love story that actually happened onboard.
We had been in the Gale for hours it seemed- for those of you, like myself at that time, who don’t know that term. I can only say its like aCat 1 Hurricane on that awesome Lake. Those waves come from all directions and they were fierce. We all think of being the hero at times.
My Husband Rick actually was a hero that fateful night. The waves i told you about were too much for my piloting skills and since our anchor is manual release I was going to climb out in the storm to release it. Just as i reached for it, a rouge wave came over the deck and took me with it. And as I was washed over the side my arm caught the cable around the deck and I was hanging from it as more waves were crashing. There was definitely an Angel on the boat with us. (only a miracle let me snag that cable and somehow hold on for those needed minutes)
Rick chose to save me. And in doing so he gave control of the boat to the waves and wind.
By the time he rescued me it was too late to keep from grounding. She was a beautiful boat and our plan was to restore her completely to her original beauty. We are sad but so thankful we were safe.
And I have a Hero like the swashbuckling ones in the novels.
Thanks to ALL of you Amazing People I smile knowing shes bringing joy and smiles. I should have told our story sooner because I am so very proud of Ricky.
Its just been so hard to lose our dream and now we face financial ruin but I realized while finally reading the comments that things happen and it brought happiness in some way so thanks to all of you for listening. I too hope theres a way for ya’ll to keep her as a reminder of an unfortunate series of events that found a Hero and brought some laughter and enjoyment to the wonderful people of Milwaukee.
And a special thanks to a very dapper, kind and all around amazing man who took the time to offer kind words and encouragement after walking past while we were getting a few things from the boat before leaving. He’s actually from Milwaukee and I thank you Dan Steinenger for the kindness you showed to a stranger ( especially one crying lol) Even now you make me smile and you Dan, as well as You wonderful people, have given me a feeling of hope and made smiling possible. And it helps to have a swashbuckling Hero!
Thanks Everyone, Sherry
P.S. We spent 2 nights onboard after grounding trying to free her. The 2nd night another gale hit and as the sun came up that 3rd morning we saw this rainbow and realized it was tie to go. I never got to see the city and Old Milwaukee is my favorite drink and i wanted to go see where its made. Since I can’t how about letting “Ginger” here know about it. Lol. I’ll have a cold one and “tour “ with you since it’s looks like I’ll be stranded on the island for a while lol
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