129, Whaleback barge wreck in Lake Superior, United States
Barge 129 is a sunken cargo vessel lying in approximately 650 feet of water in Lake Superior, fragmented across the lake floor. The wreck is located far from shore and requires specialized underwater equipment to study its scattered remains.
The vessel was constructed in 1892 by American Steel Barge Company in Wisconsin and sank in October 1902 during a severe storm. It was among numerous ships lost on the Great Lakes during this period of early industrial transportation.
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society discovered this vessel in 2021, adding substantial knowledge to Great Lakes maritime research and preservation efforts.
Access to this wreck is extremely difficult due to its depth, and only experienced divers with specialized equipment can attempt exploration. The harsh lake environment requires careful planning and professional support for any research or diving operations.
The vessel was built using a revolutionary design with a rounded deck and cone-shaped ends created for better stability in rough waters. This hull design was an experiment by shipbuilder Alexander McDougall, who developed many innovative ships for the Great Lakes.
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