Maurice Tracy
This collier type vessel was built in 1916, and has a length of 253 feet. In June 1944, the Maurice Tracey collided with Jesse Billingsley, traveling south from New York to Norfolk VA with coal. The wreck was a serious navigation hazard, but now lies flattened on the bottom in 70 feet of water. The bow is detached and lies about fifty feet from the mid-section. Portholes are still found and the helm remains burried in silt within the lower wheelhouse. Below is the classic shot of the recovery of the bell by George Hoffman.
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This picture of George Hoffman recovering the sunken marker bell from the Maurice Tracey. A giant hole inside the buoy was a home for a twenty pound plus lobster, it's probably a 30lber. by now. The bell was over 150 pounds. You can see John Moyer on the deck and of Bill Hoodiman with the lift bag on the ladder.
Photos courtesy of Gene Peterson
