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Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Whaleback Barge 129

• Type: Whaleback Barge

• Date of Incident: October 13, 1902

• Location: Lake Superior, off Vermilion Point

• Coordinates: Specific GPS data not provided

• Length: 300 feet (90 meters)

• Depth: 625 feet (240 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Whaleback Barge 129 was a steel-hulled vessel designed with a distinctive, rounded Hull that resembled the back of a whale, a signature design pioneered by Alexander McDougall. Whalebacks were created to improve stability and reduce resistance in rough waters, making them ideal for transporting bulk cargo such as iron ore. Built in 1893 at the American Steel Barge Company shipyard in Superior, Wisconsin, the 129 measured 292 feet in length, with a beam of 36 feet and a depth of 22 feet, and it boasted a Gross Tonnage of 1,310 tons.

History

The Whaleback Barge 129 served as part of the American Steel Barge Company fleet, operating under the ownership of the Buffalo-based firm. It was used primarily for hauling bulk cargo across the Great Lakes, a vital role in the industrial supply chain of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

On October 13, 1902, while being towed by the Steamer Maunaloa owned by the United States Steel Corporation, the 129 was caught in a severe gale on Lake Superior. The Towline between the vessels snapped, leaving the 129 adrift in the storm. In the chaos, the Maunaloa collided with the Barge, with its port anchor tearing into the 129’s starboard side. The collision caused catastrophic damage, and the 129 quickly began taking on water.

Final Disposition

Despite the efforts of Captain Bailey and his crew to stabilize the situation, the 129 succumbed to the storm and sank to the lakebed at a depth of approximately 625 feet (240 meters). The crew was rescued by the Maunaloa, but the Barge, along with its cargo of iron ore valued at $10,000, was lost. The vessel itself was valued at $60,000 at the time of its sinking.

Current Condition

The wreck of the Whaleback Barge 129 lies largely intact in the deep, cold waters of Lake Superior, which have preserved many such shipwrecks. Its unique Whaleback design and the historical significance of its construction make it a point of interest for maritime archaeologists and historians. The site is inaccessible to most recreational divers due to its extreme depth but is occasionally explored using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and submersibles.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site. However, it remains a protected historical site, and exploration should adhere to regulations governing submerged cultural resources.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Whaleback Barge 129 was identified and explored as part of ongoing research into Lake Superior’s shipwrecks. The exact date of its modern discovery is not specified but has been documented through underwater expeditions.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Provides detailed accounts and multimedia related to the wreck.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Database for historical vessel records.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File – Comprehensive shipwreck resource.

• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary – A repository of research on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.

• American Steel Barge Company Archives – Historical data on Whaleback construction and operations.

Conclusion

The story of the Whaleback Barge 129 is a testament to the innovation and risks of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century. Its loss during the fierce storm of October 1902 underscores the hazards faced by vessels and crews navigating these waters. Today, the 129 remains a symbol of maritime ingenuity and the enduring legacy of the Whaleback design.

Keywords

#WhalebackBarge129 #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeSuperior #VermilionPoint #MaritimeHistory #AmericanSteelBargeCompany #IronOre #StormSinking