The BRYN Barge, JOHN FRITZ, and JOHN A. ROEBLING were steel-hulled vessels that served industrial purposes before their eventual fate as part of a Breakwater. Here’s what is known and additional context about their histories and final dispositions:

BRYN Barge

Vessel Type:

• Likely a steel-hulled Barge, used for transporting bulk goods such as ore, coal, or construction materials.

Final Disposition:

• The BRYN Barge was sunk deliberately as part of a Breakwater. This was a common practice for decommissioned or outdated vessels, repurposing them to protect shorelines or create harbour facilities.

JOHN FRITZ

Vessel Type:

• A steel-hulled Barge or freighter, potentially named after John Fritz, a pioneer in American iron and steel manufacturing.

History:

• It may have been a vessel used in the iron or steel industry, either for material transport or as a service Barge associated with industrial sites.

Final Disposition:

• Sunk as part of a Breakwater, likely alongside the BRYN Barge and JOHN A. ROEBLING. This positioning indicates a strategic use to shield harbours or stabilize eroding shorelines.

JOHN A. ROEBLING

Vessel Type:

• A steel Barge or industrial vessel named after John A. Roebling, the famous civil engineer and designer of the Brooklyn Bridge.

History:

• Likely linked to industrial transport or construction, given the association with a name rooted in engineering and infrastructure.

Final Disposition:

• Sunk as a Breakwater, forming part of a group effort to create a stable barrier. Such vessels were filled with material or sunk in designated positions to serve as underwater protection.

Breakwater Sinking Context

• Purpose: The sinking of these vessels as a Breakwater was likely part of a project to protect a shoreline, harbour, or industrial waterfront from wave action or erosion. The use of steel-hulled vessels for this purpose indicates they were likely no longer seaworthy or cost-effective for industrial use.

• Method: These vessels were commonly stripped of valuable components and filled with ballast or materials to ensure they sank and stayed in place. Their robust steel construction made them effective for long-term underwater use.

Further Investigation

To confirm the exact locations and histories of these vessels, the following resources may be helpful:

1. Maritime Registries: Look for details on the BRYN Barge, JOHN FRITZ, and JOHN A. ROEBLING in shipbuilding or decommissioning records, particularly if they were part of a specific industrial fleet.

2. Local Historical Societies: Organizations near the site of the Breakwater project may have information or photographs documenting the use of these vessels.

3. Wreck Survey Data: NOAA or similar entities may have sonar or survey data marking their locations if the Breakwater is in the Great Lakes region or other U.S./Canadian waters.

4. Engineering and Port Records: Municipal or regional engineering offices that commissioned Breakwater projects could have archives noting the vessels’ acquisition and sinking.

Conclusion

The sinking of the BRYN Barge, JOHN FRITZ, and JOHN A. ROEBLING as part of a Breakwater project highlights the adaptive reuse of aging vessels. Their steel hulls and industrial pasts serve as a physical legacy, now contributing to shoreline preservation or harbour protection. Further archival research and possible site surveys can provide a richer understanding of their roles both above and below water.