Local Lore: The Sea Wing disaster - Part II
Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:52pm
By:
Sarah Ziebarth, Staff Writer
The Sea Wing disaster took place on Lake Pepin on July 13, 1890, when a powerful squall caused the steamer to capsize. Of the roughly 215 people on board, 98 lost their lives. To this day it’s recognized as the worst maritime disaster to ever take place in the state of Minnesota. Most of the following information was taken from Frederick L. Johnson’s “The Sea Wing Disaster: Tragedy on Lake Pepin.”
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