Built in 1929, the Material Service barge featured a unique, low-profile design that allowed the vessel to pass under city bridges without requiring them to be raised. She saw seven years of faithful and diligent service on the Great Lakes before tragedy struck in July 1936. While hauling a heavy cargo of sand and gravel, the ship was caught in a fierce squall and sank near the Calumet Harbor Lighthouse. Sadly, 15 of the 22 crew members on board lost their lives in the sudden disaster.
Today, she sits upright in about 30 feet of water. Thanks to this shallow depth, she is an ideal site for new divers or anyone simply looking for a relaxed, highly accessible piece of history to explore. We visit the Material Service barge out of Hammond Marina.
