Shipwreck Report: Lake Barge Cornwall

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Cornwall

• Type: Lake Barge

• Year Built: 1890

• Builder: Ainsley, Kingston, Ontario

• Canadian Registration Number: C 94889

• Gross Tonnage: 607.72 tons

• Dimensions:

• Length (Between Perpendiculars): 178.6 feet (54.4 meters)

• Length (Overall): 184.6 feet (56.2 meters)

• Draft (Canal): 9 feet (2.7 meters)

• Location: Old Canal, Cornwall, Ontario

• Depth: Not specified; high currents and low Visibility reported

• Date of Sinking: October 2, 1913

Site Description

The wreck of the Cornwall rests in the old Cornwall Canal near Cornwall, Ontario. The site is noted for its challenging dive conditions, including high currents and poor Visibility. These environmental factors make it a demanding location for exploration but also add to its intrigue for dedicated divers and maritime historians.

Vessel Description

The Cornwall was a wooden lake Barge originally launched with three masts but later operated without them. Its design was optimized for grain transportation, capable of carrying 45,000 bushels on lakes and 36,000 bushels in canals. The vessel featured a round Stern and a Deck cabin.

The Barge was built for the Montreal Transportation Company and served primarily as a cargo carrier. It was an essential component of the regional shipping infrastructure, transporting large volumes of goods through the St. Lawrence River system.

History & Final Incident

The Cornwall had an eventful service life marked by multiple sinkings and mishaps:

• October 31, 1903: Sank but was refloated and returned to service.

• 1906: Collided with the Steamer Dundurn in the Soulanges Canal, sinking in 16 feet (5 meters) of water.

• June 11, 1907: Struck a rock near Smith’s Island, Brockville, Ontario, and sank again.

• 1911: Ran aground near Howe Island, Kingston, Ontario.

• Final Sinking: On October 2, 1913, the Cornwall was transporting grain through the Cornwall Canal when the cargo swelled, causing its seams to open. The lines connecting it to the Tug Emerson broke, and the Barge sank at Dickinson’s Landing, Ontario.

After this final incident, the Cornwall was deemed unsalvageable. Its equipment was stripped, and the wreck was sold for $1 to A.J. Lee of Montreal. The Montreal Transportation Company declared the vessel a Total Loss, valued at $4,500. The Cornwall’s registry was officially closed on November 4, 1913.

Final Disposition

• Current Condition: The wreck lies partially buried in the canal bed, with significant deterioration due to environmental conditions and the passage of time. The location’s high currents and low Visibility make detailed exploration difficult.

• Salvage Efforts: The Barge was stripped of valuable equipment following its sinking.

Dive Site Experience

• Difficulty Level: Advanced, due to high currents and low Visibility.

• Attractions: The site offers a glimpse into the history of canal transport and Barge operations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Conditions: Divers should exercise caution and ensure proper equipment and experience before attempting to explore the site.

Analysis

The Cornwall’s repeated mishaps reflect the operational challenges of navigating the St. Lawrence River and its canals during a time when waterways were critical to regional commerce. The vessel’s design and frequent accidents highlight the balance between maximizing cargo capacity and managing the risks posed by shallow, narrow, and often treacherous waterways.

Its final sinking underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden barges, particularly when carrying swelling cargo like grain. The loss of the Cornwall and its subsequent abandonment exemplify the fate of many vessels during this period, where salvage was often cost-prohibitive.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical database

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Preservation efforts

• St. Lawrence River Historical Foundation: Provides historical context on the region’s shipping industry.

Keywords

#CornwallBarge #StLawrenceRiver #CornwallCanal #Shipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #MontrealTransportationCompany

The Cornwall’s wreck is a testament to the era’s bustling maritime trade and the risks faced by vessels on the St. Lawrence River. Its story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of early 20th-century shipping and the resilience of those who navigated these vital waterways.