Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Martha
- Type: Wooden oil screw fish tug
- Year Built: 1930
- Builder: Michigan City, Indiana
- Dimensions: 32 ft × 11 ft × 5 ft; 19 gross tons, 15 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 19 gross tons, 15 net tons
- Location: Off Michigan City, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: No Official Number Assigned
- Original Owners: R.C. Ludwig Fish Company, Michigan City
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden oil screw fish tug
Description
The Martha was a modest-sized wooden fishing tug built in 1930. She was primarily used for fishing operations in Lake Michigan.
History
On December 26, 1933, after setting nets offshore, the Martha attempted to return to port amid rising winds. The weather deteriorated rapidly, leading to a tragic incident.
Significant Incidents
- Weather: Left fishing nets in open lake under a moderate blow, which escalated into a full gale.
- Location: Off Michigan City, Lake Michigan.
- Sequence of Events:
- Headed in toward port as the wind strengthened.
- Made it to within approximately 300 ft of Michigan City lighthouse when a massive wave struck.
- The tug capsized—her gear fell into the water.
- All 4 crewmen were lost—none survived.
Final Disposition
The Martha was declared a total loss after the incident. Wreckage and gear were found drifting in the aftermath.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and no salvage operations have been reported.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”martha-1930″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the Martha serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who work on the Great Lakes. The loss of all four crew members, including Captain Walter Biddle, highlights the risks associated with maritime operations.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(Oil Screw Fish Tug, built 1930; lost December 26, 1933)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Type: Wooden oil screw fish tug
- Built: 1930 at Michigan City, Indiana
- Dimensions: 32 ft × 11 ft × 5 ft; 19 gross tons, 15 net tons
- No Official Number Assigned
- Owner: R.C. Ludwig Fish Company, Michigan City
- Master: Captain Walter Biddle (deceased in the incident) (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Incident Overview (Dec 26, 1933)
- Weather: Left fishing nets in open lake under a moderate blow, which escalated into a full gale
- Location: Off Michigan City, Lake Michigan
- Sequence of Events:
- Headed in toward port as the wind strengthened
- Made it to within approximately 300 ft of Michigan City lighthouse when a massive wave struck
- The tug capsized—her gear fell into the water
- All 4 crewmen were lost—none survived (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, NOAA Institutional Repository)
Summary
Martha was a modest-sized wooden fishing tug built in 1930. On December 26, 1933, after setting nets offshore, she attempted to return amid rising winds. A sudden gale and a giant wave capsizing her just shy of shore resulted in the tragic loss of all four crew members, including her captain, Walter Biddle. Wreckage and gear were found drifting; she was declared a total loss (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Additional Details & Research Paths
| Focus Area | Why It Matters | Source Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Crew identities & captain bio | Brings context and personal history to the tragedy | Local newspaper archives (Dec 1933); R.C. Ludwig Co. records |
| Weather profile | Documents storm severity and conditions at time of sinking | NOAA historic weather logs, local meteorological reports |
| Wreck site & salvage notes | Indicates whether remains were recovered | Coast Guard incident logs; harbor authority salvage files |
| Legacy or commemorations | For historical preservation or memorial records | Maritime museum archives; family records |
Would you like help with…
- Locating 1933 newspaper articles from Michigan City or Chicago about the sinking
- Accessing the Coast Guard or harbor logs documenting the search and recovery
- Investigating family or company archives for R.C. Ludwig or Captain Biddle’s personal accounts