Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Barge No. 3 (formerly SHENANGO No. 3)
- Type: Wooden Railroad Car Ferry Barge
- Year Built: 1896
- Builder: Craig Shipbuilding Company, Toledo, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 306.4 ft (93.4 m); Beam: 46.6 ft (14.2 m); Depth of hold: 12.2 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,581 tons
- Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
- Official Number: US 67317
- Original Owners: Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Barge No. 3 was a wooden railroad car ferry barge originally named SHENANGO No. 3. Designed to transport up to 28 railroad cars across Lake Michigan, it was an integral part of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad’s transportation network. Its significant size and robust construction were critical for carrying heavy loads across Great Lakes waters. After years of service, the barge was repurposed for carrying pulpwood cargo.
Description
Barge No. 3 was launched in 1896 and operated under the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad. For four years, it served a crucial role in connecting regions by ferrying railroad cars across Lake Michigan.
History
On November 12, 1900, Barge No. 3 was being towed alongside Barge No. 4 by the tug S.M. Fischer across Lake Erie, carrying a cargo of pulpwood. The convoy encountered a powerful storm near Long Point, a notorious area for shipwrecks. As conditions deteriorated, the crew of the tugboat was forced to abandon the barge to save their lives. Even the cook of Barge No. 3 had to be forcibly removed to ensure everyone’s safety.
Despite the successful rescue of the crew, the storm’s intensity overwhelmed Barge No. 3. Severely battered, the barge foundered, taking its valuable cargo with it. Barge No. 4 was also heavily damaged and declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition: Barge No. 3 was lost to the depths of Lake Erie near Long Point. The incident, emblematic of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation, resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel and its cargo of pulpwood. Fortunately, all crew members survived.
Final Disposition
Barge No. 3 was lost to the depths of Lake Erie near Long Point. The incident, emblematic of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation, resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel and its cargo of pulpwood. Fortunately, all crew members survived.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies submerged in the waters off Long Point. The severe storm and the vessel’s wooden construction suggest the wreck is likely in a deteriorated state, with debris scattered on the lakebed. Environmental factors, such as currents and poor visibility, may pose challenges for divers attempting to explore the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”barge-no-3-us-67317″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Barge No. 3, originally SHENANGO No. 3, played a vital role in Great Lakes transportation during its brief operational life. Its loss in the fierce storm of November 12, 1900, near Long Point, Lake Erie, underscores the hazards faced by mariners navigating these unpredictable inland seas. The wreck of Barge No. 3, though largely forgotten today, serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping and the resilience of those who plied these waters.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: Barge No. 3 (formerly SHENANGO No. 3)
- Type: Wooden Railroad Car Ferry Barge
- Built: 1896, Craig Shipbuilding Company, Toledo, Ohio
- Hull Number: 70
- Dimensions:
- Length: 306.4 feet (93.4 meters)
- Beam: 46.6 feet (14.2 meters)
- Depth: 12.2 feet (3.7 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 1,581 tons
- Last Port of Registry: Peshtigo, Wisconsin
- Final Voyage Date: November 12, 1900
- Final Disposition: Foundered in a storm near Long Point, Lake Erie
Vessel Type Description
Barge No. 3 was a wooden railroad car ferry barge originally named SHENANGO No. 3. Designed to transport up to 28 railroad cars across Lake Michigan, it was an integral part of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad’s transportation network. Its significant size and robust construction were critical for carrying heavy loads across Great Lakes waters. After years of service, the barge was repurposed for carrying pulpwood cargo.
History
Barge No. 3 was launched in 1896 and operated under the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad. For four years, it served a crucial role in connecting regions by ferrying railroad cars across Lake Michigan.
The Final Voyage
On November 12, 1900, Barge No. 3 was being towed alongside Barge No. 4 by the tug S.M. Fischer across Lake Erie, carrying a cargo of pulpwood. The convoy encountered a powerful storm near Long Point, a notorious area for shipwrecks. As conditions deteriorated, the crew of the tugboat was forced to abandon the barge to save their lives. Even the cook of Barge No. 3 had to be forcibly removed to ensure everyone’s safety.
Despite the successful rescue of the crew, the storm’s intensity overwhelmed Barge No. 3. Severely battered, the barge foundered, taking its valuable cargo with it. Barge No. 4 was also heavily damaged and declared a total loss.
Final Disposition
Barge No. 3 was lost to the depths of Lake Erie near Long Point. The incident, emblematic of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation, resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel and its cargo of pulpwood. Fortunately, all crew members survived.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site of Barge No. 3. However, the area near Long Point remains of historical interest and potential underwater exploration.
Located By & Date
The wreck of Barge No. 3 is located near Long Point, Lake Erie. The site has been documented and recognized, although detailed surveys or explorations are limited.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies submerged in the waters off Long Point. The severe storm and the vessel’s wooden construction suggest the wreck is likely in a deteriorated state, with debris scattered on the lakebed. Environmental factors, such as currents and poor visibility, may pose challenges for divers attempting to explore the site.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Archive
Diving Notes & Recommendations
The wreck of Barge No. 3 near Long Point offers an intriguing dive site for those interested in maritime history. Divers should:
- Be cautious of strong currents and low visibility in the area.
- Adhere to local regulations and guidelines for exploring historic wrecks.
- Consult with local dive guides and maritime historians for additional insights into the site’s conditions.
Tags
#GreatLakesShipwrecks #BargeNo3 #SHENANGO #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #LongPointWreck #1900Storm #RailroadCarFerry #GreatLakesTransportation
Conclusion
Barge No. 3, originally SHENANGO No. 3, played a vital role in Great Lakes transportation during its brief operational life. Its loss in the fierce storm of November 12, 1900, near Long Point, Lake Erie, underscores the hazards faced by mariners navigating these unpredictable inland seas. The wreck of Barge No. 3, though largely forgotten today, serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping and the resilience of those who plied these waters.
Barge No. 3, a wooden railroad car ferry barge, met a devastating fate on November 12, 1900. Built in 1896 by Craig Shipbuilding Company in Toledo, Ohio, with a hull number of 70, this barge played a vital role in transporting railroad cars across Lake Michigan. It was owned by the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad, based in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. barge-no-3-us-67317 1900-11-12 07:48:00