Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Peter W US 248805

Explore the wreck of the Peter W, a historic fish tug resting in Lake Michigan, showcasing the region’s maritime heritage.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Peter W
  • Type: Fish Tug
  • Year Built: 1945
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 34.8 ft (10.6 m) X 11.6 ft (3.5 m); Depth: 5.0 ft (1.5 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 16.8 m / 55 ft
  • Location: Near Wisconsin
  • Official Number: 248805

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Peter W was a small wooden fish tug, a vessel type designed specifically for commercial fishing operations. Fish tugs were robust, durable boats used to tow nets, retrieve catches, and navigate challenging Great Lakes waters.

Description

Built in 1945, the Peter W served for decades as a working fish tug on Lake Michigan, contributing to the region’s commercial fishing industry. By the 1980s, the vessel had reached the end of its operational life and sank under unknown circumstances. Its sinking may have been deliberate, a result of structural failure, or due to adverse conditions.

History

The wreck has been documented as part of Wisconsin’s ongoing efforts to preserve its maritime history. It serves as an example of the smaller work vessels that were essential to the Great Lakes’ commercial fishing industry.

Significant Incidents

  • The hull of the vessel remains largely intact on the lakebed.
  • The deck has dislodged and lies forward of the hull, suggesting possible storm or structural damage prior to or during sinking.
  • Scattered around the site are fragments of the cabin, further indicating the wreck’s deterioration over time.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Peter W lies at a depth of 55 ft (16.8 m) in Lake Michigan, near Wisconsin.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site’s moderate depth makes it accessible to recreational divers with some experience. Divers should approach with care due to the fragile state of the wreck and avoid disturbing or removing artifacts, which is prohibited under Wisconsin’s preservation laws.

Resources & Links

As you explore the Peter W, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this historic site and its surroundings.