Maurice Tracy
Collier · United States · Lost 1944 · The New Jersey Coast
A World War II-era collier lost in a wartime collision off Seaside Heights, now a scattered debris field favored by lobster divers.
Kevin Hipko
See Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Maurice Tracy, originally built as the Great Lakes freighter Nordstrand, was operating as a collier when she collided with the freighter Jesse Billingsley off Seaside Heights, New Jersey, in June 1944. There were no casualties. The wreck today is a large, scattered debris field, with her stern section, including the pilothouse and deck-gun platform, still identifiable.
Vessel
- 1916
- Great Lakes Engineering Works
- Ashtabula, Ohio
- Steel
- 253 ft
- 43 ft
- 2468
- Steam, single screw
- Not established
Loss
- June 17, 1944
- Collision
- Off Seaside Heights, New Jersey
- Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 70 ft
- Scattered debris field of flattened hull plates, with the stern the highest surviving section, including a partially intact pilothouse and deck gun platform
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 39.86° N 73.97° W
- Approximate position
- Seaside Heights, New Jersey
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (65/100)
Full circumstances of the collision and cargo carried at the time of loss are not established in the sources reviewed.
Build history, former names, collision, wreck condition.
U.S. Maritime Administration Vessel History
Build data, tonnage, dimensions.
