Prins Willem V + Explore NEW WRECK (AM group trip)

How to join this trip Prins Willem V & New Wreck | Aug. 10 2025 (AM group trip):

This charter is reserved by Elmer’s Watersports. If you are interested in joining this trip, please contact the organizer directly. Their information is listed below under “Organizer.”

Recreational Dive Trip

• Dive Type: Recreational (No Decompression)
• Typical Depth
  • Prins Willem V 55 to 80 ft
  • Fireboat #17: 80 to 90ft
• Required Certification: PADI Open Water or equivalent
• Note: Cold water diving experience is recommended.

Prins Willem V (Built 1948)

Known as the “Willie,” this Dutch freighter rests mostly intact on its side in about 80 feet of water on a clay bottom. It starts at about 55 feet, making it a wonderful introductory wreck dive where divers can stay shallower and still observe the massive 258-foot-long freighter. The ship’s machinery, cargo, and equipment are still in place. Large open hatches are visible on deck, and tanks from salvage attempts can be seen alongside the wreck. The Prins Willem V is arguably the most dived shipwreck out of Milwaukee and frequently ranks in top-five U.S. dive site lists in popular scuba magazines.  Read more…, See Photos

Milwaukee Fireboat #17 (1893)

In 1893 the No. 17 M.F.D. steam fireboat was built in Sheboygan for the City of Milwaukee’s fire department. The vessel was built by the Rieboldt and Wolter Company in Sheboygan (later moved to Sturgeon Bay). Her official registry number was 130654. She was the second fireboat owned by the city and was originally named the James Foley, the name was changed in 1901 She was docked at the end of East water Street until she was placed into reserve status from December of 1922 until May of 1930 when she was dismantled.

The Milwaukee Fire Boat #17 was relocated during Bathymetric Surveys conducted by NOAA Office of Coast Survey in 2024. Maritime Preservation Program Archaeologists dove the wreck in the Summer of 2024 and with the assistance of local diver Jerry Guyer positively identified the wreck as being the Milwaukee Fire Boat #17. A 3d Photogrammetry Model was made and a further archaeological survey will be conducted.  Read more at Wisconsin Historical Society.