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Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck

Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck

Wisconsin, United States

Depth
Depth Icon

40m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

8m - 23m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck

Wisconsin, United States

Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck
Depth
Depth Icon

40m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

8m - 23m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced


About Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck

The SS Milwaukee was a sturdy Car Ferry Steamer operating on The Great Lakes, hauling railroad cars. On October 22, 1929 she ran into severe gale winds, which made her railroad cars break loose and hit through her stern gate. Today she rests in deep water, surrounded by a large variety of marine life. Excellent bottom topography. Here you will find many interesting items and artifacts to explore. Much to see.

Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Inland, Other, Deep, Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

40m

Visibility Range

8m 23m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 28%

O2

13% at 38m / 29%

O2
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Marine Life

  • Cat Fish
  • Fish
  • Freshwater Fish
  • Sun Fish
Weather Conditions

Water temperature (℃)
Air temperature range (℃)
Average air temperature (℃)
Wind speed (km/h)
Precipitation (mm)
Dive Operators near Milwaukee Car Ferry Wreck

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

  • Thermocline Buoyancy Shift — Sharp thermoclines can cause sudden buoyancy changes.

  • Instant Visibility Collapse — Sediment disturbance can eliminate visibility immediately.

  • Late Detection of Structures — Submerged structures may only appear at very close range.

  • Gradual Narcosis Onset — Narcosis may develop slowly, making self-assessment unreliable.

  • Task Fixation at Depth — Cognitive narrowing at depth can reduce awareness of time and ascent rate.

  • Increased Gas Density Breathing Load — Higher gas density at depth increases work of breathing.

  • Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.

  • Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.

  • Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

  • Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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