Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Marold II (formerly steam yacht LaBelle; Official No. 208565)
- Type: Steel-hulled diesel ferry/salvage vessel
- Year Built: 1911
- Builder: Dialogue & Sons, Camden, New Jersey
- Dimensions: ~122 × 19 × 10 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 283 GRT / 181 NRT
- Location: Simmons Reef, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 208565
- Original Owners: Alexander Winton; later operated by Beaver Island Transit Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled diesel ferry/salvage vessel.
Description
The Marold II was originally built as a private yacht named LaBelle in 1911. It was constructed by Dialogue & Sons in Camden, New Jersey, for Alexander Winton. After World War I, it was converted into a ferry and later operated by the Beaver Island Transit Company.
History
The Marold II served various roles throughout its life, transitioning from a private yacht to a ferry and salvage vessel. Its service history includes missions related to fuel recovery and transportation in the Great Lakes region.
Significant Incidents
- Date: January 1, 1937
- Mission: Siphoning gasoline from the stranded tanker J. Oswald Boyd at Simmons Reef, Lake Michigan.
- Disaster: A massive explosion occurred while the Marold II was lashed to the Boyd, resulting in flames and significant structural damage.
- Crew: All five crew members were killed in the blast.
- Causes: Likely ignition of gasoline vapors in the engine room, as assessed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Final Disposition
The J. Oswald Boyd remained partially intact after the explosion, with gasoline still frozen in its tanks. Local salvage efforts followed. Bodies of two crew members were recovered, while others were never found. The incident is memorialized at Whiskey Point on Beaver Island and is referenced in local folklore.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site at Simmons Reef in Lake Michigan has not been sonar-mapped to date. The condition of the wreck is described as fragmented, with a twisted superstructure and debris from fuel barrels scattered around.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”marold-ii-labelle-us-208565″ title=”References & Links”]
The tragedy of the Marold II serves as a significant reminder of the dangers associated with fuel recovery operations on the Great Lakes, marking a pivotal moment in local maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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