Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Lake Peigneur
Apr 10, 2019
In 1980, a calm lake in Louisiana faced a shocking transformation when drilling mishaps triggered a catastrophic whirlpool. The event led to a dramatic intersection of human error and geological chaos, as miners found themselves battling rising waters. As eleven barges and a tugboat were pulled into the swirling depths, the lake's freshwater turned to saltwater. Remarkably, despite the mayhem, everyone escaped unharmed, turning a disaster into a unique tale of environmental change.
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The Miners' Escape
- An electrician, Junius Gaddison, working in the salt mine beneath Lake Peigneur, raised the alarm when muddy water started pouring in.
- Despite being 1,500 feet underground, all 50 miners escaped thanks to his warning.
Zero Casualties
- Despite the magnitude of the Lake Peigneur disaster, remarkably no lives were lost.
- The lake transformed from freshwater to saltwater and became significantly deeper.
Aftermath and Damages
- Texaco paid millions in damages after the incident.
- Lake Peigneur now has visible remnants of houses beneath its surface.