IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Albina

Type of Wreck: River Barge

Location of Wreck: Glassford’s Shoal, below the Galops Rapids, St. Lawrence River

Final Disposition: Wrecked and removed from the register on February 26, 1907

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The Albina was a wooden river Barge, purpose-built in 1887 for cargo transportation along the rivers. It lacked masts, emphasizing its role as a utility vessel for heavy cargo. Constructed in Sorel, Quebec, by Jos. T. Matten, the Barge’s design prioritized durability and efficiency for river navigation.

Key Specifications:

•Length: 110.9 feet (33.8 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 186 tons

•Register Tonnage: 180.34 tons

•Hull Design: Round Stern

HISTORY & FINAL DISPOSITION

The Albina was constructed in 1887 and served primarily as a cargo transport Barge under the Montreal Transportation Company, a major operator in the St. Lawrence River trade. By 1897, the vessel was owned by George T. Benson of Montreal, an agent closely tied to the Montreal Transportation Company. The Barge was integral to the company’s logistical operations, often mentioned in corporate records during its operational years.

Regular maintenance and repairs ensured the Albina’s continued service. Significant Caulking was undertaken in 1894, reflecting the challenges of maintaining wooden vessels in the demanding conditions of river transport.

Despite its sturdy design and regular upkeep, the Albina met a tragic fate when it wrecked on Glassford’s Shoal, below the Galops Rapids in the St. Lawrence River. The incident’s exact date remains unclear, but the severity of the damage led to its removal from the official shipping registry on February 26, 1907.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Albina‘s final resting place is Glassford’s Shoal in the St. Lawrence River, where it succumbed to the hazardous waters near the Galops Rapids. Efforts to salvage the vessel proved unsuccessful, and it was officially decommissioned and deregistered in 1907.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Albina was Abandoned after the wreck, and no significant remnants of the Barge are believed to exist today. The wreck is not marked as a diving or exploration site, but its historical significance remains a point of interest for maritime historians studying river transport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A detailed database of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shipwrecks.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive record of shipwrecks in North American waters.

•Glassford’s Shoal Location on Google Maps: 44.8421, -75.4047.

KEYWORDS

Albina, River Barge, St. Lawrence River, Glassford’s Shoal, Galops Rapids, Montreal Transportation Company, Shipwreck, Maritime History, 19th Century Vessels.

ANALYSIS

The Albina is a representation of the indispensable river Barge fleet that powered the economic engines of the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes trade routes. Its robust construction and decade-long service underscore its importance to the Montreal Transportation Company’s operations. However, the treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence claimed many vessels like the Albina, highlighting the perils of river navigation during the period. The loss of the Albina serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by river transport in a pre-modern era, where human ingenuity often met its match against nature.