Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

Wooden propeller-driven fish Tug

Description

The Bertha Endress was a wooden fish Tug constructed in 1876 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Measuring 45 feet (13.7 metres) in length, with a beam of 11 feet (3.4 metres) and a depth of 5 feet (1.5 metres), she had a Gross Tonnage of 31 and a Net Tonnage of 23. Designed for the rigors of the Great Lakes, she was employed in transporting goods and machinery to remote locations.(prezi.com)

History

On September 29, 1891, the Bertha Endress departed Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, bound for Michipicoten Island, carrying machinery intended for mining operations. During her voyage across Lake Superior, she encountered a severe storm. The adverse weather conditions overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her sinking. All five individuals aboard perished in the incident .

Final Disposition

The Bertha Endress sank in Lake Superior during a storm on September 29, 1891. There are no records of salvage operations, and the vessel was declared a Total Loss.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, the wreck site of the Bertha Endress has not been located or documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no known navigational markers or advisories related to the Bertha Endress wreckage.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Bertha Endress serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Her loss underscores the challenges of maritime transport during that era, particularly in the face of sudden and severe storms. While the exact location of her wreck remains unknown, the story of her final voyage contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Superior.