AH-WR-0425

Emerald Bay Barge II

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

The companion barge to Emerald Bay's Barge I, another retired ponderosa pine cordwood hauler scuttled and now resting nearby as a protected heritage site.

Become Captain of Record See Shipwreck on Map

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents.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

Interpretive Reconstruction, drawn to convey the vessel's era, type and general form. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Built like her companion, Barge I, of heavy ponderosa pine timbers, this second barge served Emerald Bay lumber companies hauling cordwood and, in later years, automobiles as a car ferry. Lacking her own propulsion, she was towed by steamers making the regular circuit between California and Nevada anchorages. When retired, she was deliberately scuttled and now lies roughly parallel to the shore, about fifteen feet south of Barge I.

Vessel

Built: Not established
Builder: Not established
Yard: Not established
Material: Wood
Length: Not established
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: Lies roughly parallel to shore, approximately 15 feet south of Barge I.
Orientation: Parallel 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; Barge II lies immediately alongside Barge I at the same protected dive site, not a surveyed wreck position.