Identification & Site Information

• Name: Cobourg
• Type: Steel Schooner Barge
• Year Built: 1898
• Builder: Canadian Locomotive and Engineering Co. Ltd., Kingston, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 179.6 feet (54.7 meters) Gross Tonnage: 634 tons Net Tonnage: 607 tons
• Location of Wreck: Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N44° 08.101’ W76° 49.67’
• Depth: 230 feet (70 meters)
• Final Disposition: Intentionally scuttled in 1967.

Vessel Type Description

The Cobourg was a steel-hulled Schooner Barge launched in 1898, featuring a robust design with steel framing, upper sides, and decking, combined with wooden planking below the waterline. Equipped with a donkey boiler for powering winches and pumps, the Cobourg was built to handle bulk cargoes efficiently. Its design epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized late 19th-century advancements in maritime engineering, marrying the durability of steel with traditional wooden construction for versatility and strength.

History

Early Years

The Cobourg was constructed by the Canadian Locomotive and Engineering Co. Ltd. in Kingston, Ontario, for the Montreal Transportation Co. Named after the port town of Cobourg, Ontario, the vessel primarily served as a cargo carrier, transporting materials like timber and coal across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its launch marked a significant addition to the fleet supporting Canada’s industrial expansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Operational History

Over the decades, the Cobourg became a vital part of regional shipping operations. Notable milestones include:

• 1902: Valued at $19,000, reflecting its status as a key transportation asset.
• 1912–1913: Underwent extensive repairs, ensuring continued service.
• 1920: Acquired by Canada Steamship Lines for $40,500, extending its operational life.
• Later Ownership: Passed through the hands of prominent companies, including Donnelly, Sin-Mac, and McAllister Towing, indicating its enduring utility.

Decline

By the 1960s, advancements in maritime technology rendered the Cobourg obsolete. With newer vessels dominating the shipping lanes, the aging Schooner Barge was decommissioned. After nearly 70 years of service, it was scuttled in 1967 near Amherst Island in Lake Ontario, a deliberate act marking its retirement.

Final Disposition

The Cobourg was intentionally sunk off Amherst Island at a depth of 230 feet (70 meters). This practice, common for retired vessels, ensured the ship would not pose a navigational hazard while providing an opportunity for future exploration and preservation as a historical artifact.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Cobourg lies undisturbed on the lakebed. Due to its depth, it is accessible primarily to technical divers equipped for deep dives. The vessel’s steel structure and hybrid design offer insights into late 19th-century shipbuilding techniques, making it a valuable site for maritime historians and enthusiasts.

Significance of the Wreck

The Cobourg is a significant artifact of the industrial and Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Its long career, spanning ownership changes and technological adaptations, reflects the evolution of shipping practices in the region. The deliberate scuttling of the vessel adds a layer of intentional preservation, allowing future generations to study its construction and role in Canada’s maritime heritage.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No specific NOTMARs are associated with the Cobourg wreck site. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating near the site due to the depth and potential hazards from the wreckage.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Canadian Locomotive and Engineering Co. Ltd. Archives

Conclusion

The Cobourg exemplifies the critical role played by Schooner barges in supporting industrial trade on the Great Lakes. From its construction in Kingston to its scuttling near Amherst Island, the vessel’s life story mirrors the broader evolution of maritime transportation during its era. Today, its resting place serves as a silent witness to the ingenuity and industriousness of the period, preserving a rich legacy for historians and divers alike.

Keywords

Cobourg, Amherst Island shipwreck, Lake Ontario wrecks, steel Schooner Barge, Great Lakes maritime history, Canadian Locomotive and Engineering Co., scuttled vessels, Canada Steamship Lines.