Shipwreck Profile: Transfer (aka William McGregor)

Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Transfer (also known as William McGregor)
• Registry: U.S.
• Official Number: 80268
• Vessel Type: Schooner Barge
• Year Built: 1872
• Year Sank: 1923
• Hull Material: Wood
• Masts: Not specified
• Engines: None (sail-powered Barge)

Dimensions

• Length: 200 ft (60.96 m)
• Width: 34 ft (10.36 m)
• Depth: 14 ft (4.27 m)

Vessel History

The Transfer, originally named William McGregor, was a wooden Schooner Barge built in 1872. It was designed to serve as a towed vessel, carrying bulk cargo such as coal, lumber, and other goods across the Great Lakes. Schooner barges like the Transfer were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for transporting goods in large quantities with minimal crew.

In 1923, after over 50 years of service, the Transfer was scuttled (intentionally sunk) six miles out of Milwaukee Harbor in Lake Michigan. Scuttling was a common practice for vessels that were no longer economically viable or structurally sound, allowing them to be disposed of in deep water.

For more historical details:

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database – Transfer
• Great Lakes Historical Society Record
• 3DShipwrecks – Transfer

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Lake Michigan
• State/Province: Wisconsin
• Depth: 120 ft (36.58 m)
• GPS Coordinates: N 43° 01.090′, W 087° 45.850′

3D Model – Transfer

Transfer by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Site Description:

The wreck of the Transfer lies at a depth of 120 ft (36.58 m), with the Hull and structural elements splayed out on the lakebed:

• Starboard Side: Lies outward, still intact.
• Port Side: Collapsed inward, partially covering the wreck.
• Sternpost: Remains upright, standing 11 ft (3.35 m) above the lake bottom, a prominent feature of the site.
• Overall Condition: While splayed and partially buried, much of the wreck remains identifiable, offering a clear view of Schooner Barge construction.

Diving Notes & Advisories

• Depth Consideration:

The site lies at 120 ft (36.58 m), making it accessible to advanced divers trained in deep wreck diving.

• Visibility:

Lake Michigan typically offers decent Visibility at this depth, though sediment and weather conditions can affect clarity.

• Preservation Status:

The wreck is protected under Wisconsin law, and divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing or removing artifacts.

Site Significance

The Transfer represents an era of shipping innovation during the late 19th century when Schooner barges were vital to Great Lakes commerce. The wreck provides a fascinating look at the transition from sail to steam power, as these vessels were towed by steamers to maximize efficiency. Its structural elements, including the intact sternpost, highlight the durability of wooden ship construction.

Keywords:

Transfer shipwreck, Lake Michigan Schooner barges, scuttled vessels, Wisconsin maritime history, Great Lakes shipwrecks, advanced diving sites.