Join DiveBuddy.com

Meet new scuba divers, maintain a virtual dive log, participate in our forum, share underwater photos, research dive sites and more. Members login here.

Material Service Barge - Calumet Harbor IN


Loading...
Material Service Barge is a boat accessible fresh water dive site, located in Calumet Harbor, IN. This dive site has an average rating of 3.58 out of 5 from 12 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 31-35ft/9-11m. The average visibility is 5-10ft/2-3m.



A sand and gravel barge that sank near Calumet Harbor in 1936 with a loss of 15 of 22 crew members. Very intact steel vessel. Depth 22 to 38 feet. Sometimes there is a current. Look for the bathtub!
The 240-foot-long Material Service, a unique innovation in motorized barges, was built in 1929 and worked along Chicago rivers and canals for seven years. It could haul heavy, bulky construction materials such as sand and gravel without the need to raise bridges between work sites, because of its low freeboard design. Tragically, the ship sank due to the captain’s negligence in the wilder waters of Lake Michigan just off Calumet Harbor on July 29, 1936, with the loss of 15 of her 22 crew. Several salvage attempts failed, so it remains at only 30 feet, making it very popular among scuba divers. Attractions include eight open hatches, which allow visitors to view the self-unloading mechanism in the hull, the twin rudders and propellers.
http://www.materialservicebarge.com/
http://www.windycitydiving.net/wrecks.htm
http://www.nedivenews.com/?q=node/255
The 240-foot-long Material Service, a unique innovation in motorized barges, was built in 1929 and worked along Chicago rivers and canals for seven years. It could haul heavy, bulky construction materials such as sand and gravel without the need to raise bridges between work sites, because of its low freeboard design. Tragically, the ship sank due to the captain’s negligence in the wilder waters of Lake Michigan just off Calumet Harbor on July 29, 1936, with the loss of 15 of her 22 crew. Several salvage attempts failed, so it remains at only 30 feet, making it very popular among scuba divers. Attractions include eight open hatches, which allow visitors to view the self-unloading mechanism in the hull, the twin rudders and propellers.http://www.materialservicebarge.com/
http://www.windycitydiving.net/wrecks.htm
http://www.nedivenews.com/?q=node/255

Dive Site Map

Click to Load Map

Comments

Dave615 - 9/09/2015 7:05 AM
Rating Added: 3
A South Shore staple. First dove here in 1976. Fun wreck but not a lot to see.
mrose - 3/23/2014 8:46 AM
I went scuba diving here on 8/4/2013. Average viz: 26-30ft/8-9m. Water temp: 66-70°F/19-21°C.
mrose - 3/23/2014 8:27 AM
Rating Added: 3
Easy wreck dive in shallow waters.
adventuregrrl929 - 1/02/2014 8:56 PM
Rating Added: 4
Nice wreck dive in Lake Michigan. In shallow waters, so good for beginners.