Shipwreck of the S.S. Wisconsin, Kenosha, Illinois

After years of talking about the SS Wisconsin I finally got out to see her — 5 miles off Simmon Island Harbor in Kenosha. Great to get dive time with Leo Quartullo again and dive with Jack Schafer on his 25ft Bayliner. Jack has been diving the Great Lakes for over 30 years and brings incredible perspective to shipwreck diving. In 1929 the SS Wisconsin sprung a leak and took 9 lives to a depth of 130ft. She is a passenger and cargo metal steamer that still has multiple cars inside including a Model T. Today the wreck is deteriorating — rooms collapsing, cars rotting, integrity becoming a hazard. Plenty of places to penetrate but exercise caution.

Secured to the mooring buoy and set up on the floor of Jack's Bayliner — not easy, but we made it work. Leo and I entered the water and descended to 90ft — right on the deck. Navigated around the wreck. Visibility around 30-40ft, a bit better toward the back. After 25 minutes bottom time, ascent was smooth and decompression obligation not bad. Water temperature at 50 degrees — practically warm compared to our previous dives. I opted out of the second dive due to a tight neck seal causing headaches. Fantastic time on the water with friends visiting our historic Great Lakes wrecks. MORE INFO: http://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/Vessel/Details/650