Barge No. 129 U53276

Site Description

The year 1893 marked the birth of an extraordinary vessel, the whaleback barge 129, constructed at the American Steel Barge Company shipyard in Superior, Wisconsin. Crafted from steel and standing as a testament to innovation, this barge was unlike any other, characterized by its distinctive whaleback design. Measuring 292 feet in length, with a beam of 36 feet and a depth of 22 feet, it held a gross tonnage of 1,310 and a net tonnage of 1,265. As the 129 embarked on its maritime journey, it became part of the storied fleet of the American Steel Barge Company, based in Buffalo, New York.

The whaleback barge 129’s distinctive construction and features set it apart within the maritime landscape. However, its journey was marked by a tragic incident that led to its untimely demise. On the fateful day of October 13, 1902, Lake Superior bore witness to a fierce gale that would forever alter the fate of the 129. The barge was under tow by the steamer Maunaloa, owned by the United States Steel Corporation. As the gale intensified, the towline between the barge and the steamer snapped, setting the stage for a catastrophic collision.

The ferocity of the elements and the challenges posed by the severed towline pushed the Maunaloa against the whaleback barge 129. In the midst of the tumultuous waters, the steamer’s port anchor tore into the starboard side of the barge, piercing its hull. As water rushed into the wounded vessel, a desperate struggle to save both ship and crew ensued. Captain Bailey and his crew, confronted by the relentless onslaught of the storm, faced a race against time as the barge rapidly began to take on water.

Amidst the turmoil, the Maunaloa managed to rescue the crew members from the stricken 129. Despite the valiant efforts to salvage the situation, the barge’s fate was sealed. The whaleback barge 129 succumbed to the relentless forces of Lake Superior, sinking into its depths. This tragic incident marked the end of the vessel’s journey, transforming it into a somber reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.

Barge 129 broll.mp4 from The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Vimeo.

The 129’s tragic end was accompanied by the loss of its cargo—a weighty load of iron ore that held both economic and historic significance. The value of the barge itself, estimated at $60,000, was eclipsed by the worth of its cargo, amounting to approximately $10,000. This incident served as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in maritime endeavors and the unpredictable nature of the elements.

Despite the passage of time, the memory of the whaleback barge 129 endures, carried through accounts and historical records. The tale of its collision with the Maunaloa remains etched in the annals of Lake Superior’s maritime history. As one of the many vessels lost to the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, the 129 stands as a testament to the courage of its crew, the power of the elements, and the indelible impact of maritime incidents on the collective memory of the region.