Shipwreck Report: Tanker Barge ARGO

Identification & Site Information

  • Wreck Name: ARGO
  • Type: Tanker Barge (formerly a steel-hulled covered Lighter)
  • Date of Incident: October 20, 1937
  • Location: Lake Erie, off Pelee Island
  • Coordinates: 41° 38.36’ N, 82° 29.60’ W
  • Depth: 45 feet (15 meters)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 120 feet (40 meters)
    • Beam: Approx. 30 feet (9 meters)
    • Tonnage: 421 gross tons
  • Condition: Wreck lies on the lakebed, primarily intact but posing potential environmental risks due to its hazardous cargo.

Vessel Type Description

The ARGO, constructed in 1911 as a steel-hulled covered Lighter, was later converted into a tanker Barge specifically designed to transport flammable and hazardous materials, such as benzol and crude light oil. The Barge was an integral part of early 20th-century shipping, particularly in the fuel industry, and was capable of safely storing and transporting large quantities of petroleum products.

History

The ARGO had a storied and impactful career before its tragic sinking in 1937:

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1911 for the Independent Pier Company of Philadelphia, the ARGO was originally a covered Lighter designed for bulk cargo transportation. It was later converted to a tanker Barge to meet the increasing demands of the fuel industry.

Final Voyage

  • In September 1937, the ARGO, alongside the Tug Syosset, embarked on a voyage from Oswego Harbor through the Erie Canal system, heading for Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.
    • The ARGO was loaded with 101,000 gallons of benzol and 106,800 gallons of crude light oil—both by-products of coking operations at Algoma Steel.
  • On October 12, 1937, the vessels departed Sault Ste. Marie, encountering deteriorating weather conditions on Lake Erie.
  • By October 20, severe storms overwhelmed the ARGO near Pelee Island. Despite the Syosset’s efforts, the ARGO began taking on water and sank rapidly.
    • The two crew members aboard the ARGO were rescued by the crew of the Syosset, but the Barge was lost to the depths.

Environmental Concerns

At the time of its sinking, the ARGO carried over 200,000 gallons of hazardous material, making it a significant environmental risk. It was later identified as one of 87 high-priority wrecks by NOAA in a 2013 environmental assessment, due to the potential threat posed by its cargo.

Final Disposition

The ARGO sank off Pelee Island, Lake Erie, during a storm on October 20, 1937. The vessel remained lost for nearly 80 years until its rediscovery in 2015. Environmental concerns surrounding its hazardous cargo prompted immediate monitoring and risk assessments by NOAA and the USCG.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck is monitored as a potential environmental hazard.

Mariners in the area should exercise caution, and notices may be issued if further risk assessments indicate leakage or other dangers.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the ARGO was discovered on August 28, 2015, by https://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CITY-OF-SHEBOYGAN-1871-Schooner-5.jpg Kowalczk of the Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE)during a historical shipwreck sonar search.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is relatively intact but lies 45 feet (15 meters) below the surface on Lake Erie’s lakebed.

Environmental risks associated with its hazardous cargo make diving and exploration of the site highly regulated.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The ARGO represents a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history, embodying the advancements and risks of early 20th-century shipping. Its loss in 1937 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vessels transporting hazardous materials across the Great Lakes. The rediscovery of the wreck in 2015 underscored the ongoing relevance of these historical incidents, particularly in terms of their environmental impact. The ARGO’s legacy continues to inform maritime safety and environmental protection efforts.

Keywords

#ARGO #TankerBarge #LakeErie #Shipwreck #EnvironmentalHazard #NOAA #USCG #GreatLakesHistory #ClevelandUnderwaterExplorers #PeleeIsland