Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Whaleback Barge 129
- Type: Whaleback Barge
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: American Steel Barge Company
- Dimensions: 300 ft (90 m); Beam: 36 ft; Depth of hold: 22 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 1,310 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 240 m / 625 ft
- Location: Lake Superior, off Vermilion Point
- Coordinates: Specific GPS data not provided
- Official Number: US 53276
- Original Owners: Buffalo-based firm, American Steel Barge Company
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Whaleback Barge 129 was a steel-hulled vessel designed with a distinctive, rounded hull that resembled the back of a whale, a signature design pioneered by Alexander McDougall. Whalebacks were created to improve stability and reduce resistance in rough waters, making them ideal for transporting bulk cargo such as iron ore. Built in 1893 at the American Steel Barge Company shipyard in Superior, Wisconsin, the 129 measured 292 feet in length, with a beam of 36 feet and a depth of 22 feet, and it boasted a gross tonnage of 1,310 tons.
Description
The Whaleback Barge 129 served as part of the American Steel Barge Company fleet, operating under the ownership of the Buffalo-based firm. It was used primarily for hauling bulk cargo across the Great Lakes, a vital role in the industrial supply chain of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
On October 13, 1902, while being towed by the steamer Maunaloa owned by the United States Steel Corporation, the 129 was caught in a severe gale on Lake Superior. The towline between the vessels snapped, leaving the 129 adrift in the storm. In the chaos, the Maunaloa collided with the barge, with its port anchor tearing into the 129’s starboard side. The collision caused catastrophic damage, and the 129 quickly began taking on water.
Significant Incidents
- October 13, 1902: The Whaleback Barge 129 sank during a storm after being towed by the Maunaloa, which collided with it after the towline snapped.
Final Disposition
Despite the efforts of Captain Bailey and his crew to stabilize the situation, the 129 succumbed to the storm and sank to the lakebed at a depth of approximately 625 feet (240 meters). The crew was rescued by the Maunaloa, but the barge, along with its cargo of iron ore valued at $10,000, was lost. The vessel itself was valued at $60,000 at the time of its sinking.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Whaleback Barge 129 lies largely intact in the deep, cold waters of Lake Superior, which have preserved many such shipwrecks. Its unique whaleback design and the historical significance of its construction make it a point of interest for maritime archaeologists and historians. The site is inaccessible to most recreational divers due to its extreme depth but is occasionally explored using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and submersibles.
Resources & Links
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The story of the Whaleback Barge 129 is a testament to the innovation and risks of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century. Its loss during the fierce storm of October 1902 underscores the hazards faced by vessels and crews navigating these waters. Today, the 129 remains a symbol of maritime ingenuity and the enduring legacy of the whaleback design.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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