Ocean City Resident to Speak About Sindia Sinking at Historical Museum

John Loeper, a longtime resident of Ocean City, will review his research on the sinking of the Sindia at the Ocean City Historical Museum during their Thursday night lecture series on July 31, 7 p.m.

The Sindia was a 329-foot sailing barge that ran aground in Ocean City while on its way to New York City on Dec. 15, 1901. It came to rest between 16th and 17th streets.

Loeper claims he has uncovered evidence of mystery, silver (or gold), deception, conspiracy, and a clever plan gone astray.  He connects the 1901 sinking of the Sindia off Ocean City’s coast to the “robber barons” of the early 20th century.  

“The stories don’t fit the facts,” Loeper said. “Too many coincidences; too many people benefitted.” 

The ship, which had just been purchased and uniquely outfitted, was spotted in a location where it should not have been, and the wind was blowing the wrong direction for a shipwreck (according to photos), Loeper says.

The Ocean City Historical Museum has an extensive collect of Sindia artifacts and photos.  Until just a few decades ago the mast remained visible in the ocean.