Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Transfer (also known as William McGregor)
- Type: Schooner Barge
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 200 ft (60.96 m); 34 ft (10.36 m); 14 ft (4.27 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 36.58 m / 120 ft
- Location: 6 miles out of Milwaukee Harbor
- Coordinates: N 43° 01.090′, W 087° 45.850′
- Official Number: 80268
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Transfer, originally named William McGregor, is classified as a schooner barge, a type of vessel designed to be towed while carrying bulk cargo.
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. The starboard side lies outward and remains intact, while the port side has collapsed inward, partially covering the wreck. The sternpost remains upright, standing 11 ft (3.35 m) above the lake bottom, serving as a prominent feature of the site. Overall, while splayed and partially buried, much of the wreck remains identifiable, offering a clear view of schooner barge construction.
History
The Transfer was built in 1872 and served for over 50 years, primarily transporting bulk cargo such as coal and lumber across the Great Lakes. In 1923, the vessel was intentionally scuttled six miles out of Milwaukee Harbor in Lake Michigan, a common practice for vessels that were no longer economically viable or structurally sound.
Significant Incidents
- 1923: Scuttled six miles out of Milwaukee Harbor in Lake Michigan.
Final Disposition
The wreck is protected under Wisconsin law, and divers are encouraged to observe without disturbing or removing artifacts. The site represents an era of shipping innovation and provides insight into the transition from sail to steam power in Great Lakes commerce.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is accessible to advanced divers trained in deep wreck diving. Lake Michigan typically offers decent visibility at this depth, although sediment and weather conditions can affect clarity.
Resources & Links
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The Transfer serves as a significant historical site, illustrating the evolution of maritime transport in the Great Lakes. Divers are reminded to respect the site and its artifacts, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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