BARGE 129: The Sinking of a Steel Whaleback on Lake Superior
The year was 1902, and the mighty Lake Superior bore witness to another tragic maritime incident. Barge 129, an unrigged steel whaleback owned by the U.S. Steel Corporation, met its untimely demise on October 13th in a fateful collision off Vermilion Point, Michigan. This ill-fated vessel, laden with a valuable cargo of iron ore, became another casualty of the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Barge 129 was built in Superior, Wisconsin in 1893 by A. MacDougall of the American Steel Barge Company. With dimensions measuring 292 feet in length, 36 feet in beam, and 22 feet in depth, it boasted a gross tonnage of 1,310 and net tonnage of 1,265. This remarkable steel whaleback, a unique design characterized by its rounded hull, was constructed for the American Steel Barge Company based in Buffalo, New York.
On that fateful day in October, Barge 129 found itself in the midst of heavy weather conditions. While being towed by the steamer Maunaloa, the towline snapped, leaving the barge vulnerable to the merciless elements. The crew desperately attempted to reconnect the towline, but their efforts were in vain. Tragically, the situation took a turn for the worse when the steamer Maunaloa, amidst the chaotic weather, rammed into the barge. The impact was devastating, causing the steamer’s anchor to penetrate Barge 129’s side, hastening its descent into the frigid depths of Lake Superior.
Amidst the chaos, the crew of Barge 129 was fortunate enough to be rescued by the steamer Maunaloa before the sinking vessel succumbed to the icy waters. The crew members, relieved to have escaped with their lives, were transported to safety.
Barge 129 now rests silently in the depths of Lake Superior, lying in approximately 125 feet of water. This tragic event marked the end of the vessel’s journey, transforming it into a solemn memorial beneath the waves. The loss of Barge 129, valued at $60,000, was a significant blow to the U.S. Steel Corporation. Its cargo, consisting of approximately 2,300 tons of iron ore, further compounded the financial toll, amounting to roughly $10,000.
The sinking of Barge 129 serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of Lake Superior. Despite the absence of any loss of life in this particular incident, it stands as a testament to the inherent dangers faced by mariners who brave the vast expanse of the Great Lakes. The memory of Barge 129 and its final moments beneath the waves will forever be etched in the annals of maritime history on Lake Superior.
(Note: The information presented in this article is based on historical records and accounts of the incident.)
