Barge Transport (1880–1942)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Transport
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 145211
• Vessel Type at Loss: Iron Barge (formerly a sidewheel car Ferry)
• Builder: Detroit Dry Dock, Wyandotte, Michigan (Hull No. 34)
• Year Built & Launched: 1880
• Specifications:  Length: 254 ft (77.4 m)  Beam: 46 ft (14 m)  Depth: 14 ft (4.3 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,595 GT
• Net Tonnage: 1,353 NT
• Date Lost: September 22, 1942
• Location of Loss: Near Eagle Harbor, Michigan, Lake Superior
• Cause of Loss: Storm (blown ashore and wrecked)
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Pulpwood

Vessel Description & Service History

The Transport was originally built in 1880 by Detroit Dry Dock in Wyandotte, Michigan, as a sidewheel car Ferry capable of carrying 21 railcars. One of the early Great Lakes car ferries, designed to transport railroad cars across the lakes.  Served in various freight transport capacities throughout her career.  Converted into a Barge in 1933, having her engines removed and being adapted for pulpwood and bulk cargo transport. Fitted with a crane for loading and unloading cargo. Owned by Roen Steamship Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the time of her loss. By the time of World War II, she was operating as an unpowered Barge, relying on steam tugs to tow her.

Final Voyage & Loss (September 22, 1942)

On September 22, 1942, the Transport was under tow by the Tug John Roen, carrying a load of pulpwood across Lake Superior when a powerful gale struck.  As the storm intensified, the tow line parted, leaving the Transport adrift and uncontrollable.  She was driven ashore near Eagle Harbor, Michigan, where heavy surf battered her against the rocky shoreline.  Declared a Total Loss after sustaining irreparable damage. Despite the severity of the storm, the crew survived, likely having Abandoned ship when it became clear she could not be saved.

Final Disposition & Salvage

Wreckage was later cut up in place for scrap.  No significant remains of the vessel exist today.  Included on lists of U.S. maritime war losses during World War II, although she was not directly involved in combat.

Located By & Date Found

No modern wreckage remains confirmed.  Original wreck site near Eagle Harbor, Michigan.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Lake Superior is known for sudden and violent storms, making Barge transport particularly hazardous. Unpowered barges like the Transport were vulnerable in bad weather, as they depended entirely on their towing vessels.  The loss of the Transport highlights the risks of towing operations on the Great Lakes, especially during wartime shortages of more modern vessels.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Transport had a long and varied career, beginning as a pioneering car Ferry before being converted into a Barge in 1933. Lost in a 1942 storm while carrying pulpwood, she was driven ashore and wrecked near Eagle Harbor, Michigan. Though her remains were later salvaged for scrap, her story remains a testament to the evolution of Great Lakes shipping and the challenges faced by unpowered barges in severe weather.