Tragedy on the AuSable: Beloved River Queen Goes Down

A summertime favorite for many across Michigan is no more.

It now lies at the bottom of the AuSable River.

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Anyone who has spent any time along the AuSable, will immediately recognize this iconic ship.

The AuSable River Queen Sinks

The AuSable River Queen has been a staple along the AuSable River in Oscoda Township for nearly six decades.

Last year, sadly, the boat was unable to run for the season, and a GoFundMe was started to help with the cost of a necessary inspection. But owners were hopeful that she would make a return this spring.

And it appears they were poised for that very thing until the night of March 11. That evening, locals started to notice something weird, and it appeared as though the Queen was sinking. She was.

Laurie Rice, one of the owners of the AuSable River Queen took to Facebook on March 12 to express her heartbreak.

It was good at 8:30 last night and by 9:30 it was sinking. We called the authorities then. Nobody knows what, why or how. We will have it investigated. - Laurie Rice

No one is quite sure what led to her sinking, but Laurie also asks that people not speculate.

Everyone please stop speculating. This is a huge tragedy for our family. - Laurie Rice

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At this point it's unclear what lies ahead for the River Queen - can she be resurrected? Many hope that she can, but only time will tell if this iconic queen of the AuSable River will ever make her triumphant return.