Identification & Site Information

• Name: Grindstone Island Barges

• Type: Two Platform Barges and One Landing Craft

• Coordinates: 44°17’52.56”N, 76° 5’42.15”W

• Location: Northwest Corner of Grindstone Island, Saint Lawrence River, Ontario/United States Border

• Depth: Partially sunk, specific depth varies

• Condition: Abandoned and partially submerged

Vessel Type Description

The site consists of two platform barges and a landing craft, all utilized during the construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Platform barges were common in maritime construction, serving as stable platforms for heavy equipment and materials. The landing craft, typically used for transporting materials and vehicles, played a similar role. After their operational life in the seaway’s construction, these vessels were Abandoned and have since become part of the river’s underwater history.

History

Saint Lawrence Seaway Construction

The Saint Lawrence Seaway, completed in 1959, was one of the most ambitious engineering projects of its time. These vessels likely served as critical components during the construction of the waterway, transporting materials or acting as working platforms for dredging and other tasks. After the seaway’s completion, they may have been repurposed for regional construction projects in the Thousand Islandsarea before being Abandoned in the small bay at the northwest corner of Grindstone Island.

Abandonment

At some point after their operational use, the barges and landing craft were left in their current location. Their partially submerged condition suggests deterioration over decades due to exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance.

Final Disposition

The vessels remain Abandoned in the shallow waters near Grindstone Island. Their structural condition varies, but they serve as a point of interest for divers, historians, and possibly as habitats for aquatic life.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wrecks are easily accessible, given their shallow location. Their partially submerged state makes them visible from the surface, though further exploration may require diving equipment to assess their condition and historical features.

Points of Interest:

1. Platform Barges: Likely flat-decked and robustly constructed, they may still have remnants of their construction equipment or fittings.

2. Landing Craft: Designed for utility and transport, it may feature structural elements like ramps or holds indicative of its original use.

Research & Documentation Needs

Further investigation is required to fully document these wrecks:

• Construction Details: Specifications of the barges and landing craft.

• Operational Records: Information on their role during and after the Saint Lawrence Seaway construction.

• Historical Significance: Insights into their abandonment and any notable events associated with their use.

• Diving Surveys: Professional underwater assessments to evaluate their current state and any potential artifacts or features of interest.

Resources & Links

• Saint Lawrence Seaway Historical Archives

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Local Historical Societies (Thousand Islands Region)

Conclusion

The Grindstone Island Barges serve as a quiet reminder of the monumental effort to construct the Saint Lawrence Seaway. These Abandoned vessels offer a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of industrial history and environmental transformation in the Thousand Islands region. Further research and documentation could uncover their specific contributions and preserve their story for future generations.

Keywords

Grindstone Island, Saint Lawrence Seaway, platform barges, landing craft, Thousand Islands shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, Abandoned vessels, underwater archaeology.

Daniel Gildiea Photos