Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Black Marlin (formerly Martha M.)
• Type: Wooden Propeller Tug (originally a Fish Tug)
• Year Built: 1935
• Builder: Earl S. Miniger, Vermilion, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 39.8 ft (12.1 m); Beam: 13.8 ft (4.2 m); Depth of hold: 3.5 ft (1.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 11 tons
• Location: Off Avon Point, Lake Erie
• Official Number: US 233702
• Original Owners: Earl S. Miniger (1935-1944), Lloyd W. Leidheiser (1944-1953), David A. Dyche (1953-1954), D.A. Dyche Salvage Co., Inc. (1954-1958)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Black Marlin, originally launched as the Martha M., was constructed in 1935 by Earl S. Miniger, a renowned shipbuilder in Vermilion, Ohio. This wooden propeller tug measured 39.8 feet in length, with a beam of 13.8 feet and a depth of 3.5 feet. With a gross tonnage of 11 and a net tonnage of 9, the vessel was designed for the rigorous demands of the fishing industry on Lake Erie. The sturdy construction and compact size of the Martha M. made it well-suited to navigate the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, where it served primarily as a fish tug.

Description

In 1953, the vessel underwent a significant transformation, both in name and function. Renamed the Black Marlin, the tug was reconfigured for use as a tow vessel, marking a new chapter in its operational life. This change reflected the adaptability and continued utility of the vessel, allowing it to remain relevant in the evolving maritime industry. The conversion from a fish tug to a tow vessel also illustrates the broader trends of the time, where vessels were often repurposed to meet new demands.

History

The Black Marlin’s service came to a tragic end on November 29, 1958, when it encountered one of Lake Erie’s notorious storms. The vessel was navigating near Avon Point, west of Cleveland, when it was caught in extreme weather conditions. The storm, characterized by 15-foot waves, 75 mph winds, and frigid temperatures as low as -6°F, proved too much for the small tug. The Black Marlin’s engine failed amid the tumult, leaving the vessel at the mercy of the storm.

Despite the dire situation, the two crew members aboard the Black Marlin were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard from Lorain, Ohio. The quick and skilled response of the Coast Guardsmen ensured that no lives were lost, though the vessel itself was not so fortunate. The Black Marlin foundered in the storm, becoming yet another casualty of Lake Erie’s unpredictable and often deadly conditions.

Significant Incidents

Throughout its operational life, the Black Marlin changed ownership several times, reflecting its ongoing utility and value in the maritime industry. Earl S. Miniger, the vessel’s builder, owned it from 1935 until 1944. Lloyd W. Leidheiser then took over ownership until 1953, at which point David A. Dyche acquired the vessel. The final owner, from 1954 until the vessel’s loss in 1958, was the D.A. Dyche Salvage Co., Inc., based in Lakewood, Ohio. Each owner contributed to the vessel’s storied history, whether in its original role as a fish tug or in its later incarnation as a tow vessel.

Final Disposition

The Black Marlin, formerly known as the Martha M., had a varied and eventful life on Lake Erie, transitioning from a fish tug to a tow vessel over its 23 years of service. However, its final voyage ended in tragedy when it foundered during a fierce storm near Avon Point. The vessel’s engine failure, compounded by the extreme weather conditions, led to its sinking. Despite the loss of the Black Marlin, the successful rescue of its crew stands as a testament to the bravery and expertise of the U.S. Coast Guard. The story of the Black Marlin highlights the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes and serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in navigating these waters.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in Lake Erie, exact coordinates and condition are unknown. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories.

Resources & Links

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As you explore the history of the Black Marlin, consider the importance of preserving maritime heritage and the responsibility of divers to protect these sites. Be the diver that makes a difference by ensuring that the legacy of vessels like the Black Marlin is honored and remembered.