IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Type: Belly Dump Barge

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Lake Ontario

GPS Coordinates: N 44 12.577’, W 76 31.473’

Depth: 90 feet (27.4 meters)

Length: 47 feet (14.3 meters)

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Belly Dump Barge lies in 90 feet of water near Kingston, Ontario, on the floor of Lake Ontario. This specialized vessel, designed for transporting and dumping materials like sand, gravel, and silt, features a split or hinged Hull for efficient unloading directly into the water. The wreck is largely intact and serves as an accessible site for divers interested in industrial maritime history.

HISTORY

The Belly Dump Barge played a critical role in the industrial operations of the Great Lakes, contributing to harbor maintenance, construction, and dredging projects. This type of Barge was widely used in the early to mid-20th century, reflecting the growing need for efficient material handling in large-scale development and waterway maintenance.

Although specific details about this Barge’s operational history are sparse, records indicate that it was part of the Kingston area’s maritime infrastructure. The vessel likely supported projects within the city’s harbor and surrounding areas. The sinking’s exact circumstances are unknown, though its discovery suggests it was deliberately scuttled or Abandoned.

DISCOVERY

The Belly Dump Barge was discovered in 2000 by Ken Fuller and Tom Rutledge using sidescan sonar. The wreck was initially mistaken for the nearby KPH wreck during a 1999 dive by divers Pat and Carey, who inadvertently found the Barge after drifting off course. The Barge was positively identified during subsequent investigations, revealing its industrial heritage.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Belly Dump Barge lies undisturbed at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Ontario, preserved by the cold, freshwater environment. Its intact condition makes it a fascinating dive site, offering insights into the industrial maritime operations of the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are issued for this wreck site. Divers should remain cautious about the general risks associated with deep water diving, including cold temperatures, reduced Visibility, and the potential for entanglement.

LOCATED BY & DATE

Candy Divers 1998 searching for logs, unverified

•Discovered by: Ken Fuller and Tom Rutledge

•Discovery Date: 2000

•Mistakenly Identified: By Pat and Carey in 2001 during a dive on the KPH wreck.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Belly Dump Barge is well-preserved, with much of its structure intact due to its submersion in the cold waters of Lake Ontario. The site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers equipped for cold-water conditions. The Barge offers unique exploration opportunities for those interested in industrial maritime history, with its practical design and functionality still apparent.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Kingston Dive Sites: Information about diving opportunities in Kingston and surrounding waters.

•Wrecksite Database: Detailed records of the Belly Dump Barge and other wrecks in Lake Ontario.

•Sidescan Discoveries (2000): Documentation by Ken Fuller and Tom Rutledge on their sonar survey findings.

KEYWORDS

Belly Dump Barge, Kingston, Lake Ontario, Industrial Maritime History, Sidescan Sonar Discovery, Wreck Diving, Great Lakes Maritime Archaeology, Cold Water Diving.

ANALYSIS

The Belly Dump Barge is a significant artifact of the industrial era on the Great Lakes, representing the critical infrastructure used in harbor development and maintenance. Its discovery highlights the ongoing effort to uncover and document maritime history in Lake Ontario. The wreck provides divers and historians alike with a tangible link to the region’s industrial past and serves as a reminder of the Great Lakes’ role as a hub of commerce and innovation.