The Barge CANADA: A Collision and a Recovery on the Great Lakes

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Canada
• Type: Wooden Barge
• Year Built: 1907
• Builder: Wallaceburg, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 84 feet (25.6 meters) Width: 22 feet (6.7 meters) Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
• Tonnage: Not specified
• Official Number: C116485
• Final Incident Date: November 2, 1916
• Location: Mitchell’s Bay

Vessel Type Description

The Canada was a wooden Barge designed for the transport of goods along the inland waterways of the Great Lakes. Barges of this type were often un-powered and relied on towing by tugs. The design prioritized cargo capacity and functionality, making them essential in supporting Great Lakes commerce during the early 20th century.

History and Incident

The Canada was constructed in 1907 in Wallaceburg, Ontario. It served as a workhorse for regional shipping, likely transporting bulk cargoes such as timber, coal, or other commodities. Notably, some sources suggest the Barge might have been built or acquired from foreign sources around 1904, though its official construction year is documented as 1907.

On November 2, 1916, the Canada was involved in a collision that led to its sinking. Details about the incident are scarce, but reports indicate the Barge collided with a Tugboat. The name of the Tug remains uncertain, with conflicting information suggesting it may have been called MITCHELL’S BAY or that the location of the collision itself was near Mitchell’s Bay on Lake St. Clair.

The Canada was reported to have sunk following the collision, though the circumstances of the sinking—such as weather conditions or navigational errors—are not documented. Additionally, no information is available regarding the Barge’s cargo or any loss of life during the incident.

Despite the collision and sinking, records suggest that the Canada was likely recovered after the incident, though its condition post-recovery and any further use remain unclear.

The loss and subsequent recovery of the Canada reflect the hazards of towing operations and Barge use in the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Barges like the Canada played a critical role in supporting the industrial and economic activities of the region, and their losses highlight the challenges of operating in often unpredictable and crowded waterways.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

Canada Barge, Mitchell’s Bay collision, wooden Barge, Great Lakes shipwreck, Wallaceburg shipbuilding, Lake St. Clair shipping history, maritime collision.