Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bertha Endress
- Type: Wooden fish tug
- Year Built: 1876
- Builder: Two Rivers, Wisconsin, USA
- Dimensions: 45 ft (13.7 m); Beam 11 ft (3.4 m); Depth of hold 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 31 gross tons, 23 net tons
- Location: Lake Superior, en route from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to Michipicoten Island
- Official Number: C71229
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven fish tug
Description
The Bertha Endress was a wooden fish tug constructed in 1876 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Measuring 45 feet (13.7 metres) in length, with a beam of 11 feet (3.4 metres) and a depth of 5 feet (1.5 metres), she had a gross tonnage of 31 and a net tonnage of 23. Designed for the rigors of the Great Lakes, she was employed in transporting goods and machinery to remote locations. (prezi.com)
History
On September 29, 1891, the Bertha Endress departed Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, bound for Michipicoten Island, carrying machinery intended for mining operations. During her voyage across Lake Superior, she encountered a severe storm. The adverse weather conditions overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her sinking. All five individuals aboard perished in the incident.
Significant Incidents
- September 29, 1891: The Bertha Endress sank during a storm in Lake Superior, resulting in the loss of all five crew members.
Final Disposition
The Bertha Endress sank in Lake Superior during a storm on September 29, 1891. There are no records of salvage operations, and the vessel was declared a total loss. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck site of the Bertha Endress has not been located or documented.
Resources & Links
The Bertha Endress serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Her loss underscores the challenges of maritime transport during that era, particularly in the face of sudden and severe storms. While the exact location of her wreck remains unknown, the story of her final voyage contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Superior.