#LU012

Kahlenberg

Type

Vessel

Class

Shipwreck

Status

Recently Explored

Depth

40 ft

Dimensions

55' × 14'

The Kahlenberg: Historic Navy Wreck (LU012), Lake Union, Seattle, WA — main photo

Overview

Shipwreck City Data

This target has been classified as a wood shipwreck, resting in 40 feet of water and measuring roughly 55 feet by 14 feet. The shipwreck rests upright on the lakebed and survives primarily in two separated sections, with much of the midship structure broken apart. Visible features include outer hull planking, exposed ribs and framing, deck beams and planking, rectangular openings within the surviving superstructure, a diamond-shaped metal plate with a central fastener along the hull, and two large deck cleats. The wreck is identified as the Kahlenberg.

Prior Research and Theories

Previously, Coastal Sensing & Survey had classified this target as LU12. Described as the wreck of the Kahlenberg. DCS Films had classified this target as Target 13, Kahlenberg. Described as an identified Lake Union wreck with documented U.S. Navy service and later civilian use.

Additional Context

The Kahlenberg was built in 1913 as a wooden vessel approximately 50 feet long and 11 feet wide. Historical research describes the vessel as serving with the U.S. Navy as a tender before later being used by Kahlenberg Industries as a demonstration vessel. Captain Franz Nelson later brought the vessel to Puget Sound, where it was used in the local commercial shrimp fishery. Shipwreck City is actively researching this vessel's history and will provide more details as we learn more.