By Rob Alway
Editor’s Note: The author has written more extensive articles about the Pere Marquette 18, her captain and the ship’s sinking. This abridged version is part of the Ludington’s Cross-Lake Railroad Steamers series but more in-depth articles will be published at a later date.
Pere Marquette 18 entered service in 1902 as the most elaborate railroad carferry yet built for Ludington. American Shipbuilding Co. constructed the steel vessel at Cleveland at a reported cost of approximately $385,000. She registered about 2,909 gross tons and could carry roughly 30 railroad cars.
The ship became the passenger flagship of the Pere Marquette fleet. A full-length cabin included staterooms, dining facilities, a smoking room, saloon and other accommodations intended to attract travelers as well as move railroad freight. The crew numbered about 50, considerably larger than those aboard some of the more freight-oriented carferries.
Capt. Peter Kilty became closely associated with No. 18. The vessel regularly worked the Ludington-Manitowoc route and also participated in passenger schedules that made the Lake Michigan crossing an increasingly popular alternative to traveling around Chicago.
The ship’s passenger appeal extended beyond normal railroad service. During the summers of 1909 and 1910, No. 18 was used for excursion service between Chicago and Waukegan before returning to Ludington for the fall freight season.
No. 18 departed Ludington late on Sept. 8, 1910, bound for Milwaukee with 29 freight cars aboard. Several hours into the crossing, an oiler discovered water rising rapidly in the vessel. The crew began dumping railroad cars over the stern in an effort to lighten the ship.
A distress call went out about 4:15 a.m. Pere Marquette 17 reached the stricken vessel around 6:30 a.m., approximately 20 miles off Sheboygan. Capt. Kilty initially believed No. 18 might remain afloat long enough to save everyone, but the situation deteriorated rapidly.
The carferry suddenly went down in about 400 feet of water. Later accounts generally placed the death toll at 29. Capt. Kilty and several other senior officers were among those lost. Survivors were rescued by No. 17 and other vessels that responded to the emergency.
The exact cause of the sinking has never been established with certainty. Various theories have been advanced over the years, but the loss remains one of the most haunting episodes in Ludington maritime history.
The Pere Marquette Railway moved quickly to replace the vessel. A new carferry was ordered and, in an unusual decision, would carry exactly the same name and number: Pere Marquette 18.
Coming in Part 11: Pere Marquette 19 and Pere Marquette 20 - the freight workhorses.