Prins Willem V
Cargo Motorship · Netherlands · Lost 1954 · Chicago & Southern Lake Michigan
A Dutch saltwater freighter capsized off Milwaukee in 1954 after fouling a barge towline in the harbour approaches.
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The Vessel and Her Loss
The Prins Willem V was a Dutch motor freighter built in 1948 and trading into the Great Lakes. Outbound from Milwaukee in October 1954 she fouled a submerged towline between a tug and barge, took a list and capsized. Her crew was rescued. The hull lies on its side in moderately deep water and has become one of the most visited wrecks off Milwaukee.
Vessel
- 1948
- Not established
- Not established
- Steel
- Not established
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- Diesel
- Not established
Loss
- October 14, 1954
- Collision
- Off Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Lake Michigan
- Not established
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The Wreck Today
- 70 to 80 feet
- Hull lying on its side, largely intact.
- Not established
- Not established
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Position
- 43.00° N 87.83° W
- Approximate position
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (80/100)
Exact depth and the details of the collision vary between accounts.
Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Shipwrecks
Vessel history, loss, wreck condition.
Great Lakes wreck diving literature
Depth and site access.
