Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Barge A
- Type: Barge
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: In the channel, just inside the harbour
- Coordinates: N 42° 43.787' W 087° 46.241'
- Official Number: Not specified
- Original Owners: Lake Michigan Car Ferry Transportation Company
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Barge A was a wooden-hulled barge constructed in 1895. Barges of this type were commonly used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting bulk cargoes such as stone, coal, and lumber. These vessels were typically unpowered and relied on tugboats for movement.
Description
Specific details regarding Barge A‘s dimensions and tonnage are not documented in the available records. However, as a wooden-hulled barge built in 1895, it would have been designed for durability and functionality in the demanding environment of the Great Lakes, capable of carrying substantial loads of bulk materials.
History
On May 15, 1900, Barge A was transporting 160 cords of stone when it broke in half and sank in the channel, just inside the harbour. The exact circumstances leading to the structural failure are not detailed in the available sources. The sinking of the barge in a navigational channel posed a significant hazard to other vessels. To mitigate this risk and restore safe passage, the wreck was promptly demolished using dynamite.
Significant Incidents
- May 15, 1900: Barge A sank in the channel while carrying 160 cords of stone.
- Wreck was dynamited shortly after sinking to clear the harbour for navigation.
Final Disposition
Following its sinking, Barge A was considered a navigational hazard due to its location in the harbour channel. To clear the obstruction and ensure the safety of maritime traffic, the wreck was swiftly destroyed with dynamite. This action reflects the practices of the time, prioritizing the maintenance of clear and safe waterways for commerce and transportation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the remains of Barge A have been located or surveyed. Given that the wreck was demolished shortly after sinking, it is unlikely that significant remnants remain.
Resources & Links
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The loss of Barge A in 1900 underscores the challenges faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes, particularly the risks associated with transporting heavy bulk cargoes. The prompt demolition of the wreck to clear the harbour channel highlights the importance of maintaining navigable waterways for the economic vitality of the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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