Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Barge 115

• Type: Steel Whaleback Barge

• Registry: U.S. No. 53268

• Built: 1891 by American Steel Barge Company, Superior, Wisconsin

• Dimensions:

• Length: 256 feet (78 meters)

• Beam: 36 feet (11 meters)

• Depth: 19 feet (5.8 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 1,169 tons

• Net Tonnage: 1,111 tons

• Final Location: Pic Island, near Marathon, Ontario, Lake Superior

• Date of Final Incident: December 15-20, 1899

Vessel Type Description

Barge 115 was a steel Whaleback Barge, a unique design innovated for bulk cargo transport. The “Whaleback” vessels were notable for their rounded, cigar-shaped hulls, which enhanced stability and reduced drag, especially in rough waters. Built by the American Steel Barge Company, this vessel exemplified late 19th-century advancements in shipbuilding, designed specifically to carry iron ore and other bulk materials across the Great Lakes. These vessels often operated in tandem with tow steamers, such as the COLGATE HOYT, with which Barge 115 shared its final voyage.

History

Construction and Purpose

Barge 115 was launched in 1891 as part of the burgeoning fleet of Whaleback vessels. It played a significant role in the industrial transport network of the Great Lakes, ferrying iron ore and bulk goods critical to the region’s economic growth. Owned by the Bessemer Steamship Company, the Barge was a reliable workhorse during its years of service.

The Ill-Fated Voyage

On December 15, 1899, Barge 115 embarked on a fateful journey, towed by the Steamer COLGATE HOYT. A ferocious winter storm tore through Lake Superior, snapping the Towline and leaving Barge 115 adrift. Despite search efforts, the HOYT was forced to abandon the Barge due to dwindling coal reserves.

For five harrowing days, the crew of nine aboard the drifting Barge battled the elements. The storm eventually drove the vessel aground on Pic Island, near Marathon, Ontario. The crew, led by Captain Arthur A. Boyce, managed to reach the island safely, though the ship’s cook, William Buckner, suffered frostbite during the ordeal.

Rescue and Abandonment

News of the grounding reached authorities, and while rescue efforts were delayed due to the harsh winter conditions, the crew survived, sheltered on the island. When spring arrived, a salvage expedition determined that Barge 115 was irreparably damaged. In May 1900, the vessel was declared a Total Loss, succumbing to the elements and the unrelenting power of Lake Superior.

Final Disposition

Barge 115 was Abandoned after its grounding on Pic Island. Despite being deemed unsalvageable, its legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and the challenges faced by maritime commerce on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck site of Barge 115.

• Advisories: The area near Pic Island remains of interest to divers and historians, though conditions and access should be carefully considered due to the remoteness and natural hazards of Lake Superior.

Located By & Date

• Location: Pic Island, Marathon, Ontario, Lake Superior

• Date of Discovery: The vessel’s remains were documented shortly after its loss in 1899, but no modern surveys have extensively studied the site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is presumed to have deteriorated significantly over the years, given its abandonment in the early 20th century and exposure to Lake Superior’s harsh environment. The exact condition and accessibility of the wreck are uncertain, and no formal diving surveys have been conducted.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Wikipedia – Whaleback Vessels

• Merchant Vessels of the United States (1899 Edition)

Conclusion

The story of Barge 115 is a testament to the harsh realities of life on the Great Lakes and the enduring spirit of the sailors who faced its challenges. Though the vessel’s physical remains rest silently beneath the waters of Lake Superior, its story continues to resonate as a part of the rich maritime history of the region. Barge 115 exemplifies the innovative engineering of its time and the perilous nature of the inland seas that shaped the Great Lakes’ legacy.

Keywords

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