Freighter Milwaukee Car Ferry
Lake Name: Lake Michigan
Shipwreck Name: Milwaukee Car Ferry
Additional Shipwreck Pictures
Vessel Type: Car Ferry
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Vessel Build Info: 1903, American Shipbuilding, Cleveland hull 413
Shipwreck Specs: 338x56x19, 2933g 1755n
Official Number: 93363
Names Other: Built as MANISTIQUE, MARQUETTE & NORTHERN No. 1, renamed in 1909
Sinking Detail
Sailed off into a storm, bound Milwaukee for Grand Haven, and was lost. Theory is that rail cars came loose in gale and crashed through her seagate, allowing water to come in over the stern and sink her. Her skipper apparently turned back for Milwaukee, but never made it. Some of her lifeboats were launched by her crew, and two of their bodies were picked up two days later by the steamer STEEL CHEMIST. Another lifeboat containing bodies washed up near Holland, MI. It was routine for her to challenge the storm, she was built for it.
Loss Date: 10/22/1929
Loss Place: on a line between Milwaukee and Grand Haven
Loss Life: 52 o 52
Loss Reason: Storm
Vessel Cargo: 27 loaded railcars
Shipwreck Description
A 318 foot steel railroad car ferry was loaded with 27 box cars and 52 passengers. This is a popular dive destination as there are plenty of things to explore such as railcars, cars, or bath tubs. Penetration is possible for the trained and experienced.
Dive Type: Recreational
Depth Deck(ft): 90 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 120 ft
Depth Deck(m): 27 m
Depth Bottom(m): 36 m