Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Barge No. 1
- Type: Wooden Railroad Car Ferry Barge
- Year Built: 1895
- Builder: James Davidson, West Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 309.75 ft (94.4 m); Beam 44.16 ft (13.5 m); Depth 12.00 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,544.78 gross tons / 1,463.13 net tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 13 m / 43 ft
- Location: North Point, Thunder Bay
- Coordinates: N45°00.919′, W83°18.238′
- Official Number: [To be researched]
- Original Owners: Kreeton & Company (final)
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Barge No. 1 was a large wooden barge built to carry railroad cars and bulk freight. Outfitted with deck rails after her launch in Chicago, she initially served the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad and later adapted for general cargo transport under multiple owners.
Description
Barge No. 1 was a large wooden barge built to carry railroad cars and bulk freight. Outfitted with deck rails after her launch in Chicago, she initially served the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad and later adapted for general cargo transport under multiple owners.
History
From 1895 to 1918, the barge supported Great Lakes transportation, shifting from railroad ferry service to bulk cargo work. In 1918, under Kreeton & Company of Drummond Island, she was employed carrying lumber and livestock.
Significant Incidents
- On 8 November 1918, caught in a storm near Thunder Bay, Barge No. 1 was stranded and battered by waves off North Point. She broke apart and sank in 43 ft of water. All seven crew survived.
Final Disposition
The vessel was declared a total loss. Her remains now rest fragmented and partially buried in the lakebed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site has been recognized for decades. Specific discovery details are not well documented. No current NOTMARs issued. Divers should note underwater hazards and fluctuating visibility in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”barge-no-1-us-00070″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Access to the wreck is by boat, with entry points near North Point, Thunder Bay. Conditions include strong currents and variable visibility. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories while diving.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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