Born from Wreckage, Built to Endure
The Story of the Sindia
The Sindia was a four-masted steel barque built in 1887, measuring over 329 feet in length designed for long-haul voyages across the globe. Operated by the German shipping company D. H. Watjen & Co., she carried cargo to and from major trading ports, including those in Asia and Europe. On her final voyage in December 1901, the Sindia departed from Kobe, Japan, loaded with a valuable cargo rumored to include fine silks, porcelain, and exotic goods bound for New York. Battling heavy seas and winter gales, she ultimately ran aground just off the coast of Ocean City, New Jersey, where her skeletal remains still rest beneath the sand.
A Wreck Surrounded by Mystery
While many attribute the grounding to navigational errors in poor weather, others believe there was more to the story. Some theories suggest the ship deliberately beached as part of an insurance scheme, while others whisper of smuggling—cargo offloaded under the cover of fog before rescue efforts began. Tales of looted treasures, secret compartments, and disappearing valuables have only fueled the ship’s legend, making the Sindia one of the most enduring maritime mysteries along the East Coast.
Why We Exist
Sindia Trading Co. was born from this story of mystery, resilience, and discovery. Our mission is to create garments that feel like they were found, not made—pieces with soul, built to endure. That’s why every shirt we produce uses garment-dyed fabrics, a process that gives each piece a unique, lived-in character and softness that lasts a lifetime. Just like the relics washed ashore after the wreck, our goods carry the spirit of history and the craftsmanship to stand the test of time.
A Personal Connection
For us, the Sindia isn’t just a story from history books—it’s part of our own story. Our family’s first home in Ocean City was on 17th Street, just steps from the boardwalk gazebo and the sign that marks where the Sindia ran aground. Countless walks along that stretch of sand sparked a lifelong fascination with the ship, its mystery, and its legacy. This brand is our way of honoring that history and the coastal community that shaped who we are.
No Ship Sails Alone
This vision wouldn’t have come to life without our partners. Jetty Ink, a coastal apparel company rooted in sustainability and community, brings our designs to life with precision screen printing and an eco-minded approach. For packaging, we’ve teamed up with Better Packaging Co., whose innovative, compostable solutions ensure every order arrives safely—without harming the planet. Together, these partnerships help us stay true to our mission of quality, sustainability, and purpose-driven design.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
From the start, we knew this couldn’t just be about great shirts—it had to be about creating responsibly. That means using eco-friendly, garment-dyed fabrics, working with ethical production partners, and choosing packaging that won’t harm the ocean or the places we love. Every decision we make is rooted in reducing our impact, so you can feel good about what you wear.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re as captivated by the Sindia as we are, visit the Ocean City Historical Museum to explore artifacts and accounts from the wreck. For a deeper dive, books like The Sindia Saga by Margaret Thomas Buchholz offer fascinating insights into the ship’s history and the lore surrounding its mysterious end.