Wisconsin man dies after diving accident on Isle Royale shipwreck

ISLE ROYALE, Michigan (WJMN) – A Wisconsin man has died while diving to a shipwreck near Isle Royale, according to an Isle Royale National Park spokesman.

According to a press release, 70-year-old John Nousaine of Superior, Wisconsin, and others dived from a private vessel to the Emperor shipwreck near Isle Royale on Thursday afternoon.

At around 1pm, the divers reported what they believed to be a fatal accident to police. The spokesman said the other divers and crew quickly reported the accident, but did not comment on the nature of the accident.

A press release from the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office said Nousaine was traveling on a chartered dive boat.

The Shipwreck of the Emperor is a 525-foot steel bulk carrier that lies about 100-150 feet below the surface of Lake Superior on the north side of the island. It sank in 1947 – the most recent shipwreck around Isle Royale, according to the National Park Service.

For more information on scuba diving conditions and safety recommendations, please contact National Park staff on their website.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Stay tuned to Local 3 live and online for the latest developments.