Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Barge No. 4
• Type: Wooden railroad car ferry barge
• Year Built: 1896
• Builder: Craig Shipbuilding Company, Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 306.4 ft (93.38 m); Width: 46.6 ft (14.2 m); Depth: 12.2 ft (3.72 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross and net tonnage of 1581
• Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
• Official Number: 71
• Original Owners: Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad, Peshtigo, Wisconsin

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type Description

Barge No. 4 was a wooden railroad car ferry barge designed to carry 28 railroad cars. Its size and capacity made it a critical component of the railway transportation system, bridging gaps in rail networks by ferrying cars across the Great Lakes.

Description

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Barge No. 4
• Type: Wooden railroad car ferry barge
• Hull Number: 71
• Built: 1896, by Craig Shipbuilding Company, Toledo, Ohio
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 306.4 feet (93.38 m)
  • Width: 46.6 feet (14.2 m)
  • Depth: 12.2 feet (3.72 m)
  • Tonnage: Gross and net tonnage of 1581
• Owner: Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company, a subsidiary of Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad, Peshtigo, Wisconsin
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Pulpwood
• Date Lost: November 12, 1900
• Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
• Cause of Loss: Severe storm
• Casualties: No loss of life

History

History

Built in 1896 by the Craig Shipbuilding Company in Toledo, Ohio, Barge No. 4 was part of a fleet owned by the Lake Michigan Carferry Transportation Company. The vessel served as a key link in the transport of goods, including bulk materials such as pulpwood, which was its cargo on its final voyage.

The barge, along with its sister ship, Barge No. 3, encountered a severe storm on November 12, 1900, while being towed by the tug S.M. Fischer near Long Point, Lake Erie. Despite efforts to save the vessels, both foundered in the turbulent waters. Fortunately, the crew of Barge No. 4 was safely rescued before the vessel was abandoned.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

• November 12, 1900: Barge No. 4 sank during a severe storm near Long Point, Lake Erie, while being towed by the tug S.M. Fischer.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

Barge No. 4 sank near Long Point, Lake Erie, and its remains rest alongside those of Barge No. 3. Both wrecks represent a stark reminder of the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, especially during powerful storms.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of Barge No. 4 have not been specifically documented or located with precise coordinates. The site is believed to be near Long Point, Lake Erie, where it sank in 1900. No specific Notice to Mariners (NOTMARs) or marked navigation hazards exist for the wreck of Barge No. 4. However, its status as a submerged hazard near Long Point is noted in historical accounts.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”barge-no-4″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

Legacy and Historical Context

The loss of Barge No. 4, along with Barge No. 3, underscores the perilous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. The incident highlights the role of these barges in the regional transportation infrastructure and the vulnerability of early 20th-century shipping to the forces of nature.