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.

The Sea Wing disaster shows that extreme weather has long threatened Minnesota communities. Climate change is shifting the conditions that make those events more dangerous. Warmer lakes, changing rainfall, and more unstable weather can strengthen storms and raise risks for boating safety and infrastructure planning.