Michigan explorer Gregory Busch of Busch Marine Inc. is embarking on a mission to solve a nearly century-old mystery by locating the wreckage of the Canadian ship, I’m Alone, which sank in the Gulf of Mexico in 1929. The ship, known for its rum-running activities during the Prohibition era, was sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard in international waters, resulting in one fatality.
Busch is motivated by the historical significance of the ship and the opportunity to test deep ocean equipment developed by his company. The I’m Alone was captained by John “Jack” Randell, a Canadian involved in smuggling alcohol to the U.S. during Prohibition. After being intercepted by the Coast Guard, the ship was sunk in a controversial incident without proper authorization. Busch Marine aims to use this project to advance understanding of deep-sea archaeology.
Busch Marine’s research vessel, the Christina Busch, is equipped with advanced technology such as a three-man submersible, side scan sonars, and ROVs to aid in the search for the wreckage. The company has a history of successful shipwreck discoveries, including the Pewabic in Lake Huron in 1974.
If successful, the mission will provide valuable insights into the final resting place of the I’m Alone and contribute to the historical record of deep-sea exploration. Busch’s dedication to preserving maritime history through innovative technology underscores the importance of underwater archaeology in uncovering long-lost secrets of the sea.
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