Sea Wing Disaster

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The Sea Wing disaster occurred on July 13, 1890, when a strong squall line overturned the excursion vessel Sea Wing on Lake Pepin near Lake City, Minnesota. Approximately 215 people were aboard the vessel when it overturned, and as a result of the accident, 98 passengers drowned.

Only seven of the 57 women on board had survived the sinking; many drowned as they struggled to swim in their long, heavy dresses. It is one of the worst maritime disasters to occur on the upper Mississippi River.