MARS
Photo: Fishable Wrecks and Rockpiles by Tim Coleman and Charley Soares and
Steven Lang collection
Type:
Tug boat
LOA: 117'x23'x15'
Construction: Wood
Date of Loss: September 13, 1942
Reason: Collision with tanker Bidwell
Depth of Water: 120 fsw
History:
Built in 1890 in Camden, NJ and owned by the Martin Marine Transportation Co, this tug is one of the older wrecks in the area. The sinking of the Mars remained a mystery for quite some time as sinkings during the war were generally not well publicized for a variety of reasons -- security, morale, etc. The sinking being a result of a collision with the Bidwell is still somewhat based on speculation as there has not been a positive link between the two vessels that night, only circumstantial evidence based on ships reported to be in the area.
Today, the tug sits upright in 120 fsw off Manomet Point. The wreck is mostly intact with collapsed decking opening up various points of entry to the tug's interior. The Mars is also heavy covered in fishing line, which requires that one be vigilant about avoiding entanglements while exploring the wreck. The visibility tends to be poor in this area, unfortunately, a result of a soft clay-mud type bottom. Visibility typically averages 5-15' with light currents occasionally, if any.