‘Unusual’ vessel that sank in Lake Superior nearly 120 years ago discovered
Oct 12, 2022 09:55AM ● By Content Editor
By Matt Durr | [email protected] - MLive News - October 12, 2022
A 292-foot Whaleback vessel that sank nearly 120 years ago to the day, has been discovered in Lake Superior by members of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Known as Barge 129, the vessel sank on Oct. 13, 1902 after rough waters “strained, and eventually snapped the towline” according to the GLSHS.
Barge 129 and eight others were discovered last year by the GLSHS in partnership with Marine Sonic Technology using Side Scan Sonar, according to a press release from the GLSHS.
“The whalebacks were pretty unusual ships.” said Shipwreck Society Executive Director Bruce Lynn. “When we had the ROV on it, you could clearly see the distinctive bow with a part of the towline still in place…that was an incredible moment!”
As part of the discovery, the GLSHS found that as the vessel fell to the bottom of the lake, it tore into several pieces and is spread out across the lake’s floor.
“I’ve looked for this ship for so long because it was a Whaleback. I was pretty excited. I couldn’t wait to get the cameras on it,” said GLSHS Director of Marine Operations Darryl Ertel Jr. “It’s totally destroyed on the bottom. It’s nowhere near intact. It’s at least 4 to 5 big pieces and thousands of little pieces. It’s just disintegrated.”
The GLSHS says Barge 129 was found 35 miles off Vermilion Point in 650 feet of water.
Barge 129 was in tow with another vessel, the Maunaloa and was carrying iron ore when the ships encountered an October storm. After Barge 129 was damaged, the Maunaloa turned around and attempted to reconnect the towline, but was unsuccessful. The storm eventually caused the ships to crash into each other and Maunaloa’s anchor tore into the starboard side of Barge 129, delivering a fatal blow to the vessel.
The crew from Barge 129 quickly got into lifeboats and were able to get on the Maunaloa just as their ship sank into Lake Superior.
To read this original story and more news, follow this link to the MLive News website.
