The saga of the stranded Milwaukee boat known as "Deep Thought" continues with a tepid response at auction. Officials had hoped to mitigate some of the $20,000 in costs incurred by Milwaukee County from the vessel's removal. However, bids for the boat have not met the county's expenses, with the highest offer lingering at $2,000 as the auction nears its end on Tuesday at noon, according to WISN.
The 33-foot boat, which was abandoned along the shores of Lake Michigan, became the responsibility of the county after its owners left it stranded between McKinley and Bradford beaches following a storm. Despite the situation, County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, hoping to recoup the removal funds, remains hopeful. Telling WISN, "It represents dreams and hopes that, unfortunately, failed. But at the same time, I think it can translate, and it could be a great item for somebody to purchase."
The removal of "Deep Thought" was not only difficult but also costly, with the total expense amounting to $50,000. Following the considerable undertaking of removing the boat over the rocky shore, donors, including the Daniel W. Hoan Foundation and an anonymous contributor, stepped in, donating $30,000 towards the expense. The county, shouldered with the remaining balance, sought to alleviate this financial burden through the auction, as reported by Spectrum News 1.
Enthusiasm for the boat appears to have garnered some attention, with Jeff Piller from All City Towing mentioning the peculiar public interest: "The Bucks, the Brewers, the Packers — there's always a pretty strong following during that season, but the off-the-wall boat following? I don't think I've seen much like this happen," Piller shared in an interview with WISN. Regardless of its condition, local officials are still hopeful, even as bids continue to flounder below the anticipated amount.
For those with a last-minute interest in acquiring "Deep Thought," there remains a narrow window to place a bid, with the auction officially closing at noon today. Details of the auction, including the terms that the buyer is responsible for the boat's transportation and removal, can be found at the Milwaukee County Parks' online platform, FOX6Now reports. The procedure for transferring ownership without a certificate of title has been sanctioned and outlined by the Milwaukee County Office of Corporation Counsel.
