1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
Barge No. 3, originally named SHENANGO No. 3, was a wooden railroad car ferry barge designed to transport railroad cars across Lake Michigan. The vessel was built in 1896 by the Craig Shipbuilding Company in Toledo, Ohio. With its substantial size and carrying capacity, Barge No. 3 was integral to the transportation network of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad, capable of carrying up to 28 railroad cars at a time.
3. HISTORY #
Barge No. 3 was launched in 1896 and served under the ownership of the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad based in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. The barge was part of a fleet that facilitated the transport of railroad cars across Lake Michigan, playing a crucial role in connecting regions and supporting the local economy.
On November 12, 1900, while being towed by the tug S.M. Fischer along with Barge No. 4, Barge No. 3 encountered a powerful storm near Long Point on Lake Erie. The storm was so severe that it forced the crew of the tug to cut the barge loose after safely evacuating the crew members, including the cook, who had to be forcibly removed from the vessel.
Despite the crew’s rescue, Barge No. 3 was unable to withstand the storm’s intensity and foundered shortly after being abandoned. The barge, which was carrying a load of pulpwood, was lost along with its cargo. The accompanying Barge No. 4 also sustained significant damage, and both barges were declared total losses as a result of the storm.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
Barge No. 3 foundered and sank near Long Point, Lake Erie, on November 12, 1900. The storm that caused the loss of the vessel was a reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions that mariners faced on the Great Lakes. The barge was carrying pulpwood at the time of its sinking, all of which was lost with the vessel.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of Barge No. 3.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the wreck of Barge No. 3 is near Long Point, Lake Erie. The wreck has been recognized and charted, although specific details about its condition and accessibility are limited.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of Barge No. 3 lies submerged near Long Point, Lake Erie. Given the nature of its loss in a powerful storm, the wreck is likely to be in a deteriorated state. The submerged remains may be scattered or buried, and the site may be difficult to access due to environmental factors such as currents and visibility.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The loss of Barge No. 3, along with its sister barge No. 4, highlights the dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly during the fall storm season. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the challenges of maritime transportation during that era. While the crew’s lives were spared, the barge and its cargo were lost, marking a significant financial and operational blow to the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of Barge No. 3, located near Long Point, Lake Erie, may offer a challenging but intriguing dive site for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Divers should be aware of potential hazards, including strong currents and poor visibility, and should approach the site with caution. Consulting local dive guides and maritime historians can provide additional insights and safety recommendations.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Barge No. 3
- SHENANGO No. 3
- Lake Erie
- 1900 Storm
- Railroad Car Ferry
- Shipwreck
- Maritime Tragedy
- Long Point Wreck
CONCLUSION #
Barge No. 3, originally known as SHENANGO No. 3, was a vital component of the Great Lakes transportation network in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its loss in a fierce storm on Lake Erie on November 12, 1900, underscores the perilous conditions faced by mariners navigating these inland seas. The vessel’s demise, along with the loss of its cargo, serves as a testament to the unpredictable power of the Great Lakes and the enduring legacy of the ships and crews that braved their waters. Today, the wreck of Barge No. 3 lies near Long Point, Lake Erie, offering a somber reminder of this tragic event in maritime history.
