Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Dominion

•Type: Dredge Barge

•Location: Three miles east of Point Pelee, Ontario, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41°59.75’ N, 82°26.71’ W

•Depth: Not specified

•Year Built: Not specified

•Length: 75 feet (23 meters)

•Beam: Not specified

•Hull Materials: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The Dominion was a Dredge Barge, an essential work vessel designed for removing sediment and debris from waterways to maintain navigable channels. These vessels were vital for keeping trade routes open and ensuring safe passage for larger vessels across the Great Lakes. At 75 feet in length, the Dominion was relatively small but capable of performing its duties in confined or shallow areas.

History

On October 28, 1892, the Dominion capsized and sank during a storm while under tow three miles east of Point Pelee, Ontario. The exact events leading to its capsizing remain unclear, but the incident reflects the vulnerabilities of Dredge barges, especially when exposed to severe weather conditions. Great Lakes storms were (and still are) notorious for their rapid development and destructive force, often catching vessels unprepared.

Salvage Operations

No salvage operations were reported following the wreck, suggesting the Dominion and its remains were left undisturbed at the site of its sinking.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: October 28, 1892

•Cause of Loss: Capsized during a storm

•Status: Presumed intact but unlocated. The wreck’s exact depth and condition remain undocumented, making it a point of interest for future exploration.

Significance

The loss of the Dominion serves as a historical reminder of the risks faced by work vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during tow operations in poor weather. Dredge barges, while critical to maintaining safe waterways, often lacked the design features to withstand open-water storms.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Documentation of shipwrecks and maritime events.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database: Detailed records and potential future updates on the Dominion wreck site.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into historical weather patterns and their impact on Great Lakes vessels.

Keywords

Dominion, Dredge Barge, Point Pelee, Lake Erie Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Storms, Shipwreck Research.

Conclusion

The wreck of the Dominion, lost in a storm near Point Pelee in 1892, highlights the challenges faced by dredging vessels on the Great Lakes. While small and unassuming, such vessels were crucial to maintaining navigable channels. The Dominion’s loss underscores the perils of severe weather and the resilience required of those who worked these inland seas. Its location near Point Pelee makes it a subject of interest for historians and divers, offering a glimpse into the maritime operations of the late 19th century.