Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): Harltiner Barge, also known as Scanlon’s Barge
- Registry: United States
- Official Number: Not Available
- Vessel Type: Derrick Barge
- Year Built: Not documented
- Year Sank: Circa 1929
- Hull Material: Wood
- Masts: None
- Engines: None
Dimensions:
- Length: 80 ft (24.4 m)
- Width: Not documented
- Depth: Not documented
Vessel Type
The Harltiner Barge was a wooden derrick Barge, a vessel equipped with a crane or derrick used for heavy lifting operations. Such barges were vital for construction, salvage, and other heavy-duty tasks on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Harltiner Barge, also referred to as Scanlon’s Barge, sank around 1929 in Lake Huron. Its role and activities leading up to its sinking remain largely undocumented, but it likely served in construction or maritime salvage operations. Derrick barges like the Harltinerwere commonly employed in infrastructure projects, such as bridge construction or harbour improvements, and were critical tools for lifting and moving large objects.
The circumstances of the sinking are unclear, though it may have involved adverse weather, structural failure, or operational mishap.
Final Dispositions
The wreck lies in 17 ft (5.2 m) of water in Lake Huron, near Alpena, Michigan. The site is fragmented, consisting of three distinct areas:
1. The derrick area, which contains remnants of the Barge’s crane equipment.
2. A piece of the cabin side, likely part of the Barge’s superstructure.
3. The boiler and winch area, which contains key components of the Barge’s lifting mechanisms.
The site’s shallow depth and scattered nature provide insights into the Barge’s design and operation but also reflect significant degradation over time.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck has been documented by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which monitors and preserves shipwrecks in the region. The site is noted for its educational and historical significance.
NOTMARs & Advisories
The shallow depth makes the site suitable for recreational divers and snorkelers, though care should be taken to avoid damaging the fragile remains. The scattered layout of the wreckage requires divers to navigate between the three areas to fully explore the site.
Resources & Links
3D Models
Crane
Bottom
Scanlon Barge Side by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Harltiner Barge, Scanlon’s Barge, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Derrick Barge
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Salvage and Construction Vessels
Glossary: Derrick Barge, Winch, Boiler, Superstructure
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