IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Barge No. 23 (also referred to as Twenty Three)

•Type: Wooden River Barge

•Built At: Quebec, Quebec, Canada

•Construction Year: 1855

•Rebuilt: 1860, with increased tonnage

•Homeport: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

•Dimensions (Post-Rebuild):

•Length: 94.3 feet (28.7 meters)

•Beam (Width): 18.8 feet (5.7 meters)

•Depth: 6.8 feet (2.1 meters)

•Tonnage: 98 tons (109 tons registered in 1862)

•Cargo Capacity: 7,000 bushels

•Final Resting Place: Near Picton, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Unknown

•Depth at Wreck Site: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Barge No. 23 was a single-decked wooden river Barge designed for the transportation of bulk goods, including lumber and grains, along the interconnected waterways of Quebec, Ontario, and the Great Lakes. Rebuilt in 1860 to increase its tonnage and carrying capacity, it served as an essential cargo vessel in the mid-19th century. Towed by tugboats, it reflected the evolving infrastructure of Great Lakes shipping.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

Constructed in 1855 in Quebec City, the Barge No. 23 began its operational life transporting goods along the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes. In 1860, the vessel was Rebuilt, boosting its tonnage to 98 tons and extending its ability to carry 7,000 bushels of goods. By 1862, it was registered as Twenty Three, now officially listed with 109 tons of tonnage.

Sincennes & McNaughton Line

In the early 1860s, Barge No. 23 became part of the Montreal-based Sincennes & McNaughton Line. This company was a significant operator in regional shipping, connecting the thriving trade networks of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.

Ownership Changes

In 1864, the Barge was acquired by E. Berry & Company of Kingston, Ontario. Under this ownership, it continued to transport lumber and other goods, emphasizing its adaptability to various trades.

FINAL VOYAGE AND LOSS

The Incident

On August 15, 1866, while carrying a load of lumber, Barge No. 23 was under tow near Long Point on Lake Ontario. Severe conditions caused the Barge to break adrift from its Tugboat. Exposed to the elements and unable to regain control, the vessel ultimately Foundered near Picton, Ontario.

Casualties

The incident tragically claimed the lives of three crew members. Criticism was directed at the Tugboat’s captain, who was accused of failing to provide timely assistance. An inquest was adjourned pending further evidence, highlighting concerns over potential negligence.

Losses

The wreck resulted in substantial financial losses, with the Hull of Barge No. 23 valued at $800 and its cargo of lumber estimated at $1,300—a considerable sum for the era. The Barge was uninsured, compounding the economic impact of the loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck of Barge No. 23, as the incident occurred in the 19th century and the exact location of the wreck remains unknown.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of Barge No. 23 has not been located, and its precise resting place near Picton, Ontario, remains undocumented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: Given the wooden construction and over 150 years of submersion, the wreck would likely be in a highly deteriorated state, with minimal structural remnants if any.

•Accessibility: The site is not documented as a known or accessible wreck for divers or researchers, leaving its exact state and location a mystery.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Historical Sources:

•List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada as of December 31, 1874

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Further Reading:

•Records of the Sincennes & McNaughton Line, which may provide context on the vessel’s operational history.

•Kingston and Montreal archives for additional details on the vessel’s construction and Rebuild.

ANALYSIS

Barge No. 23 epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizes the critical role of wooden barges in the transportation infrastructure of the 19th century. Serving the grain and lumber trades, the vessel contributed to the economic vitality of the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes regions. Its tragic end near Picton underscores the hazards of early towing operations and the perilous conditions faced by mariners of the time.

The incident also highlights issues of maritime accountability, as seen in the criticism of the Tugboat captain’s actions during the wreck. While the wreck of Barge No. 23 remains undiscovered, its story survives through historical records, offering a glimpse into the challenges and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

KEYWORDS

Barge No. 23, Twenty Three, wooden river Barge, Great Lakes shipwreck, Picton Ontario, Sincennes & McNaughton Line, E. Berry & Company, Lake Ontario maritime history.