Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Milwaukee
- Type: Steel steam car ferry
- Year Built: 1902
- Builder: American Shipbuilding Co.
- Dimensions: 338 ft (103 m); Beam 56 ft; Depth of hold 19.5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 2,933 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 38.1 m / 125 ft
- Location: Approximately 3 miles off Milwaukee, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 93363
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled railroad car ferry designed for transporting railcars across Lake Michigan.
Description
The Milwaukee was a steel steam car ferry built in 1902, measuring approximately 338 feet in length and 56 feet in beam. It had a gross tonnage of about 2,933 tons and was equipped with twin-screw propulsion. The ferry was capable of carrying up to 30 railcars, along with crew and limited passenger accommodations.
History
The Milwaukee was constructed by the American Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland, Ohio. It served the route between Milwaukee and Grand Haven, Michigan, primarily transporting freight, including lumber, perishables, and automobiles.
Significant Incidents
- On October 22, 1929, the Milwaukee departed Milwaukee fully loaded with approximately 27 railcars.
- While at sea, the vessel encountered a sudden northeast gale with winds reaching approximately 37 mph.
- Some of the loaded railcars became unsecured, damaging the stern sea gate and allowing seawater to flood the crew and machinery decks.
- Despite the captain’s attempts to return to port, the flooding overwhelmed the pumps, and the vessel sank by approximately 9:30-9:45 PM.
- All 52 crew members aboard were lost, with about 15 bodies later recovered.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Milwaukee was discovered in 1972, lying upright at a depth of approximately 85 to 125 feet. It remains largely intact, with some railcars and automobiles still visible on the deck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Divers have visited the wreck, which is accessible at a depth of around 120 feet. The site is significant due to its historical context as the deadliest shipwreck involving a rail car ferry on the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”milwaukee-us-93363″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the Milwaukee represents a tragic event in maritime history, highlighting the dangers of transporting unsecured cargo in severe weather conditions. The wreck serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in maritime operations.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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