Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Names: Unnamed Barges and Landing Craft

•Type: Two Platform Barges and One Landing Craft

•Location: Northwest Corner of Grindstone Island, St. Lawrence River

•Coordinates: 44°17’52.56”N, 76°5’42.15”W

•Depth: Shallow waters within a small bay

•Status: Partially submerged and Abandoned

Site Description

Located in a small bay on the northwest corner of Grindstone Island, these vessels consist of two platform barges and one landing craft. Initially used in the construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway—a massive mid-20th century engineering project to enable ocean-going ships to navigate between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes—the barges and landing craft were later utilized in various local construction projects. Eventually Abandoned, the vessels now lie partially sunk, forming a notable feature in the bay’s shallow waters.

Historical Context

The Saint Lawrence Seaway project, completed in 1959, was a monumental effort involving dredging, dam building, and the creation of locks to manage water flow and enable large-scale maritime transport. Barges and landing craft like these played a critical role, ferrying materials and equipment essential to the construction effort.

After the completion of the Seaway, the vessels continued to serve the surrounding region in a variety of construction-related tasks. Their abandonment in the shallow bay suggests they outlived their usefulness or became unserviceable. The site provides a tangible connection to the industrial heritage of the Seaway and the broader transformation of the St. Lawrence River into a major shipping route.

Current Condition

•The vessels are partially submerged, with some structural components exposed above water depending on seasonal water levels.

•The integrity of the structures is deteriorating, with visible signs of rust and weathering.

•The shallow depth and easy access make the site accessible for surface observation and shallow diving.

Research Needs

Further documentation and research are needed to fully catalog and understand the history and condition of these wrecks. Potential research steps include:

•Historical Investigation: Consult archives and construction records from the Saint Lawrence Seaway Authority to identify the origin and specific use of the vessels.

•Site Survey: Conduct a detailed underwater survey to map and photograph the wrecks, assess their condition, and determine the extent of submersion.

•Local Interviews: Speak with residents or workers who may have firsthand knowledge of the vessels’ final years of service and abandonment.

Preservation Considerations

While these wrecks are relatively modern, they hold historical significance as relics of one of North America’s most ambitious engineering projects. Preservation efforts could include:

•Marking the site on maritime charts to prevent accidental damage by boaters.

•Recording the site as part of regional underwater heritage for inclusion in databases such as the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee or similar organizations.

Resources & Links

•Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation: Historical records of construction equipment used during the Seaway’s creation.

•Ontario Marine Heritage Database: Resources for documenting and preserving submerged heritage in Ontario.

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Organization supporting underwater cultural heritage in Ontario.

Conclusion

The Abandoned barges and landing craft near Grindstone Island are an intriguing historical site linked to the monumental construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. While their exact history and role remain undocumented, the vessels offer a glimpse into the region’s industrial and maritime legacy. Further research and documentation will enrich our understanding of their place in the history of the St. Lawrence River.

Keywords

#SaintLawrenceSeaway #GrindstoneIsland #BargeWrecks #MaritimeHistory #IndustrialHeritage #ConstructionVessels #StLawrenceRiverShipwrecks #AbandonedBoats #UnderwaterHeritage #SeawayConstruction