Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Material Service
- Type: Steel self-unloading sand & gravel barge
- Year Built: 1929
- Builder: Leathem D. Smith Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length ~239.7 ft (73.1 m); Beam ~40.1 ft (12.2 m); Draft ~13.9 ft (4.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,077 GRT / 736 NRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 10.7 m / 35 ft
- Location: Off South Chicago breakwater / Calumet Harbour, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Approximate — near Calumet Harbour entrance
- Official Number: 228371
- Original Owners: Leatham, Smith-Putnam Navigation Company; leased to Material Service Corporation, Chicago
- Number of Masts: None documented
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Steel self-unloading sand & gravel barge.
Description
Description
The Material Service was a steel-hulled self-unloading barge constructed in 1929 to haul sand and gravel from Lake Michigan to urban terminals in Chicago. Designed with a low-profile deck, she could transit under city bridges and employed a unique self-unloading conveyor system. Twin screws driven by diesel engines enabled maneuverability within narrow river systems.
History
History
Built for the Smith-Putnam Navigation Company and leased to the Material Service Corporation, she served the Chicago industrial region efficiently. On July 29, 1936, while returning from Lockport, Illinois, and approaching Calumet Harbor, a severe squall capsized the vessel. A wave swept her deck, shifting cargo and flooding the engine room. She sank in minutes, claiming 15 of the 22 crew aboard.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- July 29, 1936: The Material Service capsized during a severe squall, resulting in the loss of 15 crew members.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The wreck lies upright and relatively intact in shallow water. Salvage attempts in 1936 and 1945 failed. The site still displays structural features such as hatches, winches, and conveyor mechanisms.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck has been known since shortly after the sinking, but modern survey and documentation efforts are attributed to Indiana DNR and NOAA. A 3D model and photographic record exist via public resources. The site lies in navigable waters near a busy harbor entrance and is listed within Indiana’s protected underwater resources. Removal of artifacts and anchoring on the wreck are prohibited.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”material-service-us-228371″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Material Service remains a significant wreck in Lake Michigan, offering insights into early 20th-century maritime operations and the challenges faced by vessels in severe weather conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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