Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Prins Willem V
- Type: Steel motor cargo vessel
- Year Built: 1949
- Builder: N.V. Scheepswerf en Machinefabriek “De Merwede”, Hardinxveld, Netherlands
- Dimensions: 258 ft × 42 ft; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 1,567 GRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 24 m / 80 ft
- Location: Approximately 1.7 mi east of Milwaukee breakwater
- Coordinates: N 43°01.539′, W 87°48.528′
- Official Number: Dutch registry
- Original Owners: Oranje Line
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel motor cargo vessel, also referred to as a “package freighter”.
Description
The Prins Willem V was a Dutch-built cargo vessel that was originally laid down in 1940 but was scuttled during WWII. It was salvaged and completed in 1948-49. The vessel measured 258 feet in length and 42 feet in beam, with a registered tonnage of 1,567 gross tons.
History
The Prins Willem V had a brief service history before its loss. It was involved in a collision on October 14, 1954, while towing an oil barge. The vessel struck the tow line and subsequently collided with the barge, resulting in significant hull damage.
Significant Incidents
- Collision Incident: On October 14, 1954, the Prins Willem V collided with a tow line and an oil barge, leading to a catastrophic breach in the hull.
- Rescue: All 30 crew members were rescued safely by the USCG cutter Hollyhock, with no fatalities reported.
Final Disposition
The Prins Willem V was declared a total constructive loss after sinking in approximately 80 feet of water. It rests on its starboard side. Salvage attempts in 1958 and 1961 were unsuccessful, and the vessel was sold in 1965 but subsequently abandoned.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located at a depth of about 80 feet (24 meters) and is a popular dive site. The deck lies approximately 60 feet deep and features an intact superstructure. The site contains various cargo remains, including televisions and machine tools. Divers should be cautious of entanglement and silt hazards.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”prins-willem-v-1849-the-willey” title=”References & Links”]
The Prins Willem V remains one of Lake Michigan’s most-visited dive sites, with a well-preserved wreck that attracts both recreational and technical divers. Despite numerous salvage attempts, the wreck is protected under the Abandoned Shipwreck Act.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →