Three kayakers were enjoying their time out on the Ohio River when they came across something surreal… and totally awesome. In the middle of the river, shrouded by trees, stood a large ghost ship. It turns out, the old, decommissioned ship was over 100 years-old and full of history. I bet they didn’t expect to find something so cool in an Ohio river.

The shipwreck was situated in the middle of a tributary of the Ohio river.

James Malott

They cautiously approached it, but decided to go inside for a peek.

James Malott

Even though the ship was 110 years-old, it was structurally sound enough to explore.

James Malott

Nature had completely taken over the ship.

James Malott

The remnants of the engine and machinery were still on board.

James Malott

It seemed like the ship had been sitting there for years.

James Malott

As it turns out, it had. The vessel started out as a sight-seeing boat in New York City.

James Malott

Then, it was repurposed to fight in both World Wars.

James Malott

Thomas Edison even used it once during an experiment regarding communications technology.

James Malott

The boat even made a cameo in Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” music video.

James Malott

In the 1980s, the ship was decommissioned and taken to a tributary near the owner’s land. It has rested there ever since.

James Malott

Even the rope attaching it to the shore shows its age.

James Malott

Now, the boat still sits there silently in Ohio, full of history and memories.

James Malott

It’s a strange thing to think about. This boat was used for years and so many different people lived their lives around it. Now, it sits still in the water and will probably never move again. It can still be found in that small tributary in Ohio, but if you find the coordinates, be wary of cautious landowners.

Source: Queen City Discovery

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