Moran shipwreck found in Lake Michigan

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Underwater explorers have shed new light on a Great Lakes maritime mystery more than 100 years in the making.

The John V. Moran steamship sank in February of 1899 on its daily run between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan.

All 25 people on board survived by walking across three miles of lake ice to another ship, but the Moran was never seen again, until now.

Researchers confirmed the Moran shipwreck 365 feet below the Lake Michigan's surface. Researchers even found what might be evidence as to why it sank.

"We suspect that might be the hole in the hull that cause the water to leak in and sink the Moran," said historian Valerie van Heest.

More research trips are planned to the Moran site. Experts say there could be as many as 200 sunken vessels still at least partially intact at the bottom of the lake.