BARGE 115: A Tale of Peril and Survival on Lake Superior
An Account of the Tragic Loss, Harrowing Ordeal, and Final Demise of a Steel Whaleback Barge
In the annals of maritime history, there are tales of heroic voyages, daring rescues, and tragic losses. One such story is that of Barge 115, a steel whaleback barge that met its untimely fate on Lake Superior in December 1899. This article chronicles the events surrounding its construction, ill-fated voyage, crew’s remarkable survival, and the subsequent demise of the vessel.
Barge 115, officially registered as U.S. No. 53268, was built by the American Steel Barge Company in Superior, Wisconsin in 1891. This unique vessel, known as a “whaleback,” boasted a length of 256 feet, a beam of 36 feet, and a depth of 19 feet. With a gross tonnage of 1,169 and a net tonnage of 1,111, it was primarily employed in transporting bulk freight, particularly iron ore.
The fateful journey began on December 15, 1899, when Barge 115 was being towed by the steamship COLGATE HOYT across Lake Superior. Unfortunately, a ferocious storm battered the lake, causing the towline to snap, setting the barge adrift. Despite the valiant efforts of the crew on the HOYT to search for the lost barge, their dwindling coal reserves forced them to abandon the search.
For five agonizing days, Barge 115 was at the mercy of the tempestuous waters. Eventually, it ran aground on Pic Island, near Marathon, Ontario. The crew, comprised of nine men, including Captain Arthur A. Boyce, Mate Michael Stynop, and cook William Buckner, managed to reach the safety of the island. Their miraculous survival was marred only by the frostbite suffered by the cook.
News of the crew’s harrowing ordeal spread, and an expedition was organized to ascertain the condition of the stranded barge. However, it was deemed impractical to attempt a rescue during the harsh winter, and the decision was made to leave Barge 115 on Pic Island until the following season. Captain N. W. Smith, the agent for the owners, reported that the vessel had sustained extensive damage, further complicating any salvage efforts.
Months passed, and as the winter waned, hope dwindled for the ill-fated barge. In May 1900, Captain W.W. Smith, representing the Bessemer Steamship Company, conveyed the distressing news that Barge 115 had succumbed to the ravages of time and the unforgiving Lake Superior. The vessel was declared a total wreck, marking the final chapter in its tragic history.
The story of Barge 115 is one of resilience, survival, and the relentless power of nature. It stands as a testament to the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes and the indomitable spirit of those who ventured into its treacherous waters. The crew’s endurance and eventual rescue exemplify the unwavering determination to overcome adversity.
Today, the memory of Barge 115 lives on as a reminder of the challenges faced by seafarers and the enduring legacy of the steel whaleback vessels that once sailed the Great Lakes. Though its physical remains have been claimed by the depths of Lake Superior, the story of Barge 115 will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come, serving as a testament to the indelible mark left by maritime history.
