AH-WR-0424

Emerald Bay Barge I

Barge · United States · Lost Scuttled after being retired from service, in the early 20th century · Lake Tahoe

A massive ponderosa pine cordwood barge that once ferried lumber and cars across Emerald Bay, deliberately scuttled and now protected as an underwater heritage site.

Become Captain of Record See Shipwreck on Map

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Historically Reconstructed. Drawn from partial documentation of this vessel together with her known class and configuration. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Constructed of massive ponderosa pine timbers, this barge was used by lumber companies operating at Emerald Bay to haul cordwood and, in later years, to ferry automobiles across the bay during the resort era. Lacking its own propulsion, she was towed or pushed by steamers. When no longer needed, she was deliberately scuttled and now lies perpendicular to the shore in 10 to 40 feet of water, with much of her hull structure still intact.

Vessel

Built: Not established
Builder: Not established
Yard: Not established
Material: Wood
Length: 85 ft
Beam: Not established
Tonnage: Not established
Propulsion: None (towed barge)
Owners: Lumber companies operating at Emerald Bay

Loss

Date: Scuttled after being retired from service, in the early 20th century
Cause: Intentional sinking
Location: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe
Water: Lake Tahoe
Voyage: Not established
Cargo: Not established
Aboard: Not established
Lives lost: Not established
Master: Not established

The Wreck Today

Depth: 40
Condition: Twenty-nine frames, sixteen hull strakes, and the eastern transom remain attached to the northern hull side; lies perpendicular to shore.
Orientation: Perpendicular to shore
Discovered: Not established
Protection: Protected as part of the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail, an underwater state park; disturbance or removal of artifacts prohibited by state law.

Position

Coordinates: 38.96° N 120.09° W
Accuracy: General area only
Nearest: Emerald Bay State Park, California
Region: Lake Tahoe

General area only: coordinate of Emerald Bay from the USGS Geographic Names Information System, the named place of this state-protected barge dive site, not a surveyed wreck position.