NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Ed the Diver is making an effort to clean up the water one piece of junk at a time.
Starting five years ago, he has since picked up thousands of pounds of trash from the bottom of waterways across the Midwest. Using scuba equipment, he and his friend Jason Younk will dive down, pick up what they can find, and load it all into a kayak. They will then call the local public works department who will usually haul it away. Throughout these past five years, he’s gained a big following on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
On Friday, he found himself under the 510 Bridge in Negaunee Township after his viewers suggested he take a visit. What started as just a way to clean up fishing line and lures has since evolved into heavier and tougher to retrieve items. “We pulled up a table, a TV, bottles, glass, and we pulled up a motor,” he said.
During his trip to Negaunee, he also managed to find an Apple Watch still in working condition. Now, he’s trying to find the owner. “It’s very satisfying to know that we’re making an impact in the underwater environment and shorelines,” he said. “We’re encouraging others to get out there and clean up. We’re trying to educate them on what’s underwater and inspire them.”
Ed the Diver is currently on tour in the Midwest and will head to his home state of Wisconsin next. “I like the way it feels,” said Younk. “It makes everybody else around the community happy too to see what we’re doing, because not a lot of people want to do it.”
