MILWAUKEE — "Deep Thought," the beloved boat stranded along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, has finally been brought ashore.
The boat had been stuck in the sand between McKinley and Bradford beaches since October 2024. After six failed removal attempts — including one that left a second boat stuck alongside it — Milwaukee County tried again this week.
Milwaukee-based All City Towing was contracted for the job. The operation involved three cranes set up on land to lift the vessel from the water, according to Milwaukee County Parks.
It's a story that has drawn attention from all over the city.
"It's awesome, it's rare we don't see a lot like that, it's different, especially right off the shores of the lake," Said Chester Washington, who spent part of Tuesday watching the boat.
Just before noon, crews managed to move the boat onto the shore, with the bow now facing west. They told TMJ4 there's so much mud inside the boat that it will need to be secured further before the final push up the rocks.
WATCH: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley provides update on boat removal
Dozens gathered to watch the removal. The boat has become a tourist attraction, drawing sightseers, photographers, artists — and graffiti artists.
"I'm always on Team Boat. I never thought they'd actually be able to do it, so it felt a little more historic," said Bert Lauderdale, an onlooker. "They shut the road down. It felt more significant than usual. So I had to come see what’s up — see what’s actually happening. I hopped over here on my lunch break."
Related: Milwaukee abandoned boat removal plans shared, could be gone Tuesday
Watch: Lincoln Memorial Drive to close for boat removal attempt:
Closures
To ensure public safety and accommodate heavy equipment, Lincoln Memorial Drive will be closed in both directions between Lafayette Hill Road and East Water Tower Road from 8 a.m. 7 or 8 p.m. Marked detours will redirect traffic westbound at both intersections.
RELATED: Visitors stop to see Milwaukee's popular stranded boat before removal
Parking restrictions
To support a smooth and fluid removal operation, no parking will be allowed along Lincoln Memorial Drive between Lafayette Hill Road and East Water Tower Road starting the evening of Monday, May 5. Signage will be posted, and vehicles parked in violation may be subject to towing.
The time frame of this closure is subject to change based on weather and wave conditions, which may affect the boat removal process.
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